HI ALL

No time to post... I am waiting for my daughter ... she should be ready any minute. I just thought I would take a peek in here before heading out the door.
Just wanted to wish everyone a GREAT DAY again.
I will try to get back tonight.

Bye All

Hi Ladies!
I just finished up lunch and need to get back to work, but I wanted to stop and say hello to everyone!

The past couple days have been an emotional roller coaster. One minute I feel fine and the next I want to fall apart. I know we'll figure things out. Jeff and I haven't really talked a lot about it, I think we are both still digesting things and waiting to see what our 2nd Dr. has to say.

The good news is that food and exercise have been good and the scale is starting to move in the right direction! I am physically starting to feel better!

I better run for now. Hopefully will find time for personals later!
Have a great day!

Good Morning Ladies!

Well I weighed in on Tuesday night and I gain FOUR pounds… but I am okay. I am not going to let it discourage me. I am on my way!!! I love my new treadmill. It is wonderful. Has anybody tried Taebo? I got a DVD I haven’t started yet. Just curious if any of yall have done it.

Terri I have been praying for Ginger. I hope that everything turns out to be okay.

BarbPA I am still praying for you so you can have a family of your very own

Thin my thoughts are with you.

Everybody I am praying that we can work together to get healthy!

Everything is going pretty good. I know why I gained the weight I am starting feel really good now that my Gallbladder issues are behind me. And I am not eating as good as I was. So I am going to get back to it!!!!! I haven't been able to keep up to date on the postings so don't think I am ignoring people.

Hope everybody is doing well!

Hi Ladies,

I know I was subscribed to this thread but I just realized I hadn't gotten any email reminders so I must have forgotten to click on one or something.

I've been doing pretty good. Off to CT tomorrow to take Paige Pointer to a dog show. I'm usually really good on the road so hopefully I can keep those munchies at bay.

Gotta pack tonight. I'll be home late Sat. night.

Love ya all,

Judy, I'm usually just the opposite. I usually use a road trip as excuse to eat anything and everything I can possibaly think of, and some things that would never enter my mind if I was at home! But I am really proud of myself. I've been gone since Tuesday noon, and haven't done badly at all.

We are now in an Embassy Suite in Arlingrton VA and I was finally able to get my laptop to work on the wireless internet they have here. It wasn't easy, but I finally made it. I have been really proud of myself. I haven't eaten anything at all in the car. That's usually my downfall. I usually snack the whole trip, and we even made a point to buy more healthy snacks to bring alone, but I haven't eaten any. And I've made health choices for meals. On the down side, is I've also not done any exercise. I try to find hotels that have an indoor pool, but somehow this trip, I flubbed up and neither night has had a indoor pool. But tonight we are in an Embassy Suite and the have both an indoor pool and exercise room, so there will be no excuse for tomorrow morning! Last night was just a mistake, I was sure the place we stayed advertised an indoor pool, but alas, no such luck.

Tuesday night I knew they did not have an indoor pool, but you know you have to make choices, and we were staying in Vicksburg MS, and I chose the Isle of Capri Casino instead of a pool. Can I say I exercised my finger? We really had a terrific room on about the third floor that overlooked the outdoor pool, and a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. Last night was Knoxville KY and it was just a motel room! Tomorrow we are to get to Philidelphia and are staying the weekend at the Embassy Suite there. Then we go to this town called Exeter PA which is close to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area for this two day computer training. Then we will head back home.

My good friend that I used to work with was having WLS today, and I haven't been able to get ahold of anyone who can tell me she did okay. I'm a little concerned, because she really doesn't have much family.

Oh I forgot to tell you about our travel. DH bought a GPS program that runs off his laptop and it has been such fun. He programs in where we are going, and it tells us every turn to make. The only problem seems to be that it doesn't allow for traffice. When we got near the hotel here, it was in the middle of rush hour and it told us to exit to the left in 3/4 a mile, well, we couldn't make it to the left lane in that amount of time, so we had to go ahead and U-turn and go back again. It's really funny too how when we would get off the road to take a bathroom break or eat or get gas, it would tell us we had gone the wrong way to turn around. But it's much better than me reading the map and us getting lost!

Well that's my exciting three days, maybe I'll have internet access again some night soon. Take care everyone and I'm thinking of you all.

Barb.G did you take interstate 20 all the way through Mississippi? If so you came through my home town.

Thin I hope your mom is better soon. We leave for Mich on the morning of the 10th we'll be in Mich on the 12th. P.M. me your number and I'' call you when we get close.

Barb Pa: my prayers are with you
to all the rest I love you all

Tina: where are you girl friend.

WE finally finished inventory at the Library. We reopen on Monday I am off till then. Son went to see Kid Rock last night he said it was a good concert.
Food has been good I guess. Well I better run I have an article to do for the paper .

Happy Friday my wonderful friends! I trust that everyone is having a good day. Things are pretty quiet around here today. I only have one baby for daycare (so far wsa supposed to have two others earlier, but they didn't show). So, that is making for a really nice morning. Isaac and I got to snuggle on the couch for a good hour this morning - uninterrupted! That was a treat!

I went out to my garden last night and I'm soooo proud of it! My zucchini are HUGE! Holy crap! I'm going to have to do some serious searching for recipes. I like them, but I can't eat as many as there are. My tomatoes are all green, but there's a ton of them, and the sweet corn should be ready in a couple of weeks. I'm so excited! It's my very first successful garden. We had quiet a few strawberries in June - I was surprised that we had any at all being that we just planted them this year. And yesterday I had an omelet with an onion right out of the garden - yummy! Our pumpkins should be huge, too. Then to top it off, I dumped some cantelope guts in there about 6 weeks ago and now I have melon plants growing! I'm sure they won't produce as they got started so late, but I'm still letting them go.

In about 10 days I'm taking my youngest daughter camping - it's our turn now. I'm pretty excited about that, too. I think we're going to brave it and try camping in the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area). I'm not ready to do the whole canoe/portage thing (and I don't want to pay an outfitter as we don't have all the equipment for that). There are several places to camp there where theres only one to three campsites. Will be a little scary for two chickies alone, but should be extremely peaceful. We're leaving on 8/2 and will come home when we're ready. She's really excited about it. I told her that there won't be anything to do except hike, fish and sit around the campsite - and she's okay with that. Woo hoo! She's okay with the primitiveness of it as well. I told her that there'd be no hot showers, etc like at the State Parks and she said "oh well" so it's off to the wilderness we go in 10 days!

It's such a gorgeous day here today. The sun is shining and it must be about 50* out. Perfect camping weather right now! I hope it's like this up there when we go camping. It was like that here yesterday, too. Such a nice change from the hot humid earlier in the week. I let Isaac go outside yesterday - only for a little while - with out his shirt, and poor baby got sunburned. Totally mommy's fault.

Dh has been looking for a new job. Not easy to do around here. His schooling is for Graphic Arts and where we live there just aren't any jobs for that. So for the last couple of years he's been painting - he doesn't mind it, but it's definately not what he wants to be doing. Anyway, there was an ad in the local paper for a postion at a place only about 30 minutes away (he's commuting at least 1 hr 15 min right now). So, I emailed his resume - hopefully he can get the job and that they'll be willing to pay him what he's getting now.

Tomorrow I get to work the brat stand at our local grocery store as a fund raiser for my oldest daughters Girl Scout troop. Not my favorite thing to do, but a necessary duty. Then on Sunday we are going to Duluth (again) to take the kids to the zoo. I like it so much better than the two in the cities. It's more laid back, better lay out and prettier scenery in Duluth. Isaac hasn't been to a zoo yet, so it'll be fun. Still haven't gotten my pix developed from last weekend. When I do, I'll try to get one posted so that y'all can see some of the flowers!

Okay, enough rambling. I guess I got carried away with my free time and had to enjoy being able to post - uninterrupted. I know you probably don't want to sit and read all my crap, but it's nice to "chat" even if there's no immediate reaction.

Hope every one has a super day and an even better weekend!

TGIF!

Good Morning Lovely Ladies! I hope everyone is having a nice day thus far!

Lisa - It sounds like you are off to a wonderful start today! I was relaxed at the though of the camping and snuggling on the couch!

Mary - Thank you for the prayers. I feel like I have been a prayer hog lately if that is possible.

Barb.g - Wonderful job resisting tempations on your road trip! I hope you have a great time up here in the Philly area! Hopefully you got my last e-mail and your plans for Sunday work out.

Judy - Have fun at the dog show!

Scooter - Thank you for your thougts and prayer!! I am happy you are enjoying the treadmill. You have a great attitude! Keep it up!!

Kit - An HOUR on the treadmill!!! WooHoo!! Keep up the good work. I've been doing about 35 min but hoping to keep increasing the time a little each week.

Thin - The river cruise tonight sounds like a wonderful break from everything that you've been dealing with.

Terri - I hate it when I hit the wrong keys and POOF - post gone! Grrrr!!!

2Cute - Yes, you are correct with the sperm banks, egg donors, etc. Once we decide what the right thing is for us we may explore those options. Donor sperm is easily obtained and not too expensive. Finding egg donors is possible, but a very pricy option. There is even Embryo adoption these days - not sure how that works yet. We are still exploring our own options to make it work with our egg/sperm right now. I am going to pick up my records today for the second opinion appt. on the 3rd. WOW --- this sure has taken the romance out of conceiving a child.

Sorry for anyone I missed, I must get my act together and get some work done! I'll talk with you wonderful ladies later on!

OH Gosh.....I completely forgot to share my GOOD news.... I LOST 4 POUNDS THIS WEEK!!!


Love to All!
Barb

Hiyas all!!

TGIF for sure! My son and I mowed and weedeated yesterday and then we had a wonderful rain yesterday afternoon that lasted most of the night (more than our normal 5 minutes, thank goodness), so my yard and flower gardens are looking very spiffy this morning and that always puts me in such a good mood *woohoo* I had a cup of java while watching the birds play in the backyard and birdbath and then did my "weedwalk"...weeds come up so easy after a rain too...YAY! Hope everyone else is smiling as well already today

Scooter ~ Love your attitude on the weight gain! Just a little setback in the big scheme of things and you definately seem up for the challenge of getting rid of it by doing fun workouts and keeping things in a good light I did finish reading "The DaVinci Code" and you were right...it really makes you think! I have several more books on the topic of Mary Magdalene and the Holy Grail on hold at the library and very much looking forward to those coming in and devouring more on that topic, as it interests me greatly. Also, I have tried Taebo and love it! I just have the VHS tapes that came out about 5 years ago. I really like the Taebo Advanced, but used to do that and a couple of the 8-minute workouts per day back when I was in better shape *L* Taebo is really empowering and lots of fun imho! But man, you will definately know that you had a good workout for sure..hehe It really is a total body workout...I was impressed that it not only thinned out my lower body, which I have in abundance thanks to my Italian heritage, but my arms got to looking pretty darn good too because Taebo actually gives you lots of use of them...whereas some other workouts don't use them as much or enough. I used to do those tapes so often that I made a track of my own music to run while he was going through the workout...the music he uses kind of gets a bit monotonous after awhile, but that is my only criticism *L* Can't wait to hear how you like it!

Judy ~ Good luck at the dog show! That sounds like so much fun and very fascinating...I love watching dog shows on Animal Planet and really would like to attend one someday. I have to agree with Barg.g though...I have a really hard time eating well while out on the road...too many temptations and years of good memories stopping for munchies or restaurants we can only get to while in different areas of the country *L*

Barb.g ~ Great to hear from you...love those laptops while away from home for sure! *L* You were in Arlington when you wrote last...not far north from where I live. Let me know if you are going down I-95 past Fredericksburg, VA on your way back...maybe we can get together if you have the time to stop!

Mary ~ You work at the library? One of my fav places on earth, I tell ya!

Lisa ~ Yummm...zucchini! I made a batch of zucchini muffins last Sunday for my hubby to have during the week for breakfast. The recipe is not low-cal, but if you would like it, I would be more than happy to share with you. I also use zucchini for my kabobs on the grill and they taste wonderful that way. Sounds like your garden is growing well...I am so jealous *L* I am still working on our landscaping (trees and bushes, etc) and flower beds here, but would love to start a garden one of these years too...I will be asking for pointers! hehe Sure sounds like you are busy, busy, busy with the camping trip plans, hubby looking for a job, fundraiser, etc...do you ever sit still for a minute?

BarbPA ~ Awesome job on the 4# loss hon!! You really have been doing well on food...share your secret, please? hehe I am loving my treadmill, but I have to admit that the only way I can do an hour is if I am watching an interesting show on tv so I can forget that I am even walking...hey, whatever it takes, right? *L*

Y'all have a great day...I have about 15 minutes to get ready and then my friend and I are off to the mall for our weekly walk. Hugz all around!!
_______________________________

Kit

Did you all miss me??? I was offline for JUne and most of July, due to financial um..difficulties....

...THAT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT! I can't even afford to pay back my student loans!!

Well, the job is going ok, same old same old i suppose. i've applied for a couple higher up positions as case managers in the area, but no word. as soon as my work schedule permits (ie: i am not required to work every other weekend) i'm going to apply to graduate school and get my master's in education so that i can be a guidance counselor.
lord, the hoops i need to go through in order to do that!

I joined Curves! It's been about two weeks now and I've already lost about ten pounds (I haven't weighed in but that's what it looked like on the scale..it's hard cause some scales shift when you look down..)

Lord, Curves works! Just after two weeks I already feel stronger and I can tell the difference at work (lifting consumers and stuff).

What else is going on? I'm reading Dragonfly in Amber, by Diana Gabaldon...have any of you read any of the Outlander books?

Well, since it's my day off I think I'll make my way leisurly to my chair and get in some more reading..I'm so glad to be back online!

Hey Gals!
Sure is quiet today. I hope everyone is having a great night!

Melissa - Great to see you back! Sorry about the financial struggles, but CONGRATS on joining Curves and taking care of yourself!!

Kit - Secret?? Oh, I wish I had a secret! I controled what I put in my mouth this week and got my body moving again. It's so hard to get back motivated when you have fallen off the plan, but I HAVE to do it. I'm with ya on the treadmill - have to have something good on tv to watch to help pass the time.

I'll admit, I didn't exercise today, but I am getting up tomorrow and walking. I had a rough emotional day -- I went to the Dr. to pick up my records for my 2nd opinion visit and sat here reading everything and just thinking about the whole process bawling my eyes out. DH and I had a long talk and I am feeling a little better now. Everything is going to work out and we are going to grow old and happy - whether it's with our own biological children, adopted children or living childfree. Time will tell and he is trying to help me realize not to obsess over it everyday -- there is nothing I can do right now but hope, pray and take care of myself.

There was more to the heart to heart, but I've poured out enough for now. I'll let you get back to your reading/posting...

Have a good night. I am hoping to crawl into my comfy bed soon!
Love,
Barb

Good morning ladies,

Well crap its a wet, gloomy day. Is this July or what? My sister and mom are on their way up and we had planned a fun day playing at the lake. When we planned it, we didn't plan on it being in the low 70's and wet. We were also going to ride Tanyah. Well blech. This also gives me a headache. Maybe I'll just be mean today.

I had wanted to bike ride this morning and when the alarm went off, DH encouraged me to stay in bed. So now its his fault for my not getting in my exercise because now I need to be cleaning house. I'll have a big cup a cappuccino and will be less grouchy here soon.

Its been a rough week. I have done pretty good with food. Friday's are when the downfall starts. We've spent so much time out at the barn in the evenings, that it is wrecking havoc on our nighttime eating. The pattern on Fridays is to pick something up and bring it home. Which for the last 3 Friday's has been some form of fried chicken. Last night it was Hooters wings. That has got to quit.

We are seeing no improvement in Ginger's condition. She will barely move areound in the stall. So after a week of being on double pain meds, she is no better. We've done a lot of talking about what to do and a lot of tears this week. But this isn't looking good. So with all that, I haven't felt very motivated or chipper.

Speaking of Hooters. That was the first time I've ever been in one. Any man who says he's going because of the wings or that its a "family" place, is lying through their teeth. It was hard not to gawk at the boobs hanging out of the skimpy tank tops or the miniscule shorts. I told DH, I didn't know where to look because I didn't want them to think I was looking too much. But their outfits were

I figured out the key combo that I hit and causes me to lose my post. Its when I accidentally get the caps lock on and then want to backspace. With caps on, backspace backs the page up to the previous page.

I need to get up and get moving.

Barb - for the four pounds! I'm sorry too for the disappointment and frustration that you're going through. Allow yourself to grieve the disappointment. Its part of the emotional process. You'll find your strength within you.

Meliss - Good to see you back. Hope things look better on the money front. for joining Curves!

Kit - I love Tae Bo too but don't think I ever made it to the advanced tape. I'm impressed. Good job on the yard work. Your morning sounded very relaxful.

Scooter - Sorry about the gain but you've got a good attitude. You did have some stressful times with your friend at work. How did that turn out anyway? Like I said above - I love Tae Bo. Just go easy with the leg kicks until your body gets used to it. It is very empowering - I kept wanting to box DH.

Lisa - What a great job with the garden! Veggies shouldn't be a problem for you!! How fun with the camping too. Hope DH gets the job.

Barb.G - Sounds like you're enjoying your trip. AND doing well with food. Yahoo! for you! Keep up your good work!

Hello to everyone else! Have a great weekend!

Good morning!

The is shining and it's absolutely gorgeous here again this morning. Not like it is for you, Terri .

Dont' have time for individual replies . I'm off to do my duty with the Girl Scouts. The brat stand isn't my favorite thing to do, especially on such a nice day, but it's one of thse things that has to be done .

I just wanted to pop in and say "hi" to everyone and wish you a wonderful weekend!
(okay enough fun with the smilies )

Have a good one!!

Hey everyone

It has been way too long since I've been able to post! Everything has been escalating this last week and a half as I try to find work to fill in the $ from quitting my day job and then getting everything else set up for going back to school. I've been so tired at night that I keep falling asleep as I read posts here. That is on the days I actually got online at all.

Anyway, I might have been off here, but I've been working my tail off, literally. I'm down 2.5 more pounds! I can hardly wait to have my measurements taken. Those always give me a more complete progress picture.

I really want to stay, but it is bedtime for this girly. I struggled way too hard last night to stay awake, so I need to make sure and get more rest in today. Too bad, because this is a state holiday, and there are soooo many fun things going on!

Please know you are all in my thoughts. So many of your stories keep me going strong throughout the day. *HUGS*

Andria

Geez, it's the pits to be so far behind, but here goes.

Lisa: Concerning the Fall Fling at the MOA - I was in the Cities last week and everyone is complaining about the traffic over there because if Ikea opening up. NOW, I want to go to Ikea too so we may need 2 days for the Fall Fling.

So, your lift station failed - it really did sound crappy!!!! I can't imagine. When I was younger and we were all living at home we were having "flushing" problems. Sometimes the stool would come UP instead of going down. This happened one day when my youngest sister flushed. "Everything" was running out of the bathroom, across the dining room and heading for the living room CARPET. I was using towels to try and stop it and screaming at the sister next to me to help. "OH NO, I am not touching that"!!! I threw her a towel and pushed her down on the floor. We finally got everything under control, she got over being hysterical and now we have a funny family story to reminisce about.

Paperdoll: You have a cat name Fritz?????? Must have been named after my grandpa!!!!

Mary: Is there a genealogy web site you would recommend? There are so many and of course I want to get the most for my money.

BarbPA: I worked from home for a year and just LOVED it. Not only is it a short walk to work but you can wear anything, or nothing as the case may be!!!

Congrats on joining the accountability thread - I will be next!

There isn't anything I can think of to say about your doctors news that will take the pain & sorrow away for you. Just know we are all here for you. Whatever you need, come and tell us!!!!

Andria: I know what you mean about going up versus down, anything. I have fibro and everyone assumes I have trouble going up stairs or up hills. NOPE, like you it's down that hurts and SCARES me. When I am not sure of your knees I feel helpless.

j-ann: We are SO lucky here in Minnesota because we have Deerflies also!!! Maybe I just hate all insects!!!

BargG: Congrats on losing the old 3 pounds and the 1 NEW one!!! Way to go.

Terri: sorry about Ginger.

I also like the way you post every morning. I was thinking of starting that before as a way to get myself focused for a GOOD day of food and exercise. Does it work?????

Thin: So sorry to hear about Doris And another one for you and your Mom. I am with 2Cute, take care of yourself through all of this. I loved how you stuck up for your Mom's abilities. I pray I am just a capable at her age.

How was the dinner, dancing, the river and, dare I ask, HOW romantic did it get out there? Did you both need a

Kit: We always play volley ball as a family- siblings, nieces, nephews and it is so fun. They kids are always surprised us old folks can play at all.

Thanks for posting that article, it is great.

2Cute: Don't need you!!!! Now you know that isn't true!!!! AND you didn't sound pathetic, well, at least not THAT much!!!

Gotta fold laundry - back in a few.