Julee – Congrats on the loss! A new low, with the promise of many more! I’m glad to hear you’re sticking around!

Luan – Great to see you enjoying school so much. It really makes a difference when you do something you love!

Sharon – Frustrating to not be able to buckle your mind down, I know. I’ve been in a good zone since I started this time around, and it’s great, but I feel my “edge” slipping lately. I know how tenuous this can be! What seem to be your stumbling blocks and what can you do to overcome them??

Yesterday I had some cheesecake… Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, with whipped cream. Hubby and I split a slice. It felt decadent and was yummy… but REALLY sweet! I don’t eat much sugar anymore apparently! I don’t regret making the choice (and at least logged something that might be like it!), but I hope it’s not a bad choice that has me spiral out of control!!! I rarely choose the decadent option like that but lately have been feeling in such a rut and don’t know how to break out. I think I get like this a lot this time of year, hopefully when spring really comes things will be better… I know I posted about this last week and some of you even responded, and then I lost the responses in the ‘thread flurry’ --- so thank you all for caring!

Man, another 20 posts since I was here last night I LOVE that we are all so active here, but it's clearly difficult to keep up at times, so I hope no one feels obligated to respond to me individually--I know I don't usually say too much to respond to, anyway, since my life is pretty boring

Sharon--good call on dogpal...she has been gone for a while (I think--there are some threads I miss that I don't always go back through). OH, and I am completely with you on getting sorted out. I've had all kinds of excuses for the past couple of months (stress from hating my job, followed by celebration of getting a new job, helping my sister with her wedding plans, now PMS, yadda yadda yadda), and I just need to suck it up and get back on board

Luan--can't wait for pictures! I must admit that I'm not particularly girly. I have NEVER tried any type of false eyelashes, never had my eyebrows waxed, almost never wear ANY makeup at all...

Julee--awesome on the 2.6

wyllen--forum expectations? Understanding, support, motivation, and ideas! I don't need people to respond to my day-to-day stuff, but I love that when I have a specific question, plenty of people are here to try and help and provide what advice they can, and that's really the best part for me

Kayley--about the day classes: I used to purposely squish all of my classes together. I would have all Tues/Thurs calsses so I would have 5 days a week off, which gave me plenty of time to do the homework for those 5 classes. I would have class from like 8am-2pm or something, so it would be similar to high school, but only 2 days a week. I LOVED it because I am a workaholic, so it gave me lots of time to spend at my multiple part-time jobs I did have a few night classes here and there, but never more than 2 nights a week. They were the worst because they were always so loooooong, and I happen to have the attention span of a 3-year old

Nancy--no matter what your weigh-in says today, you'll knowinside that it's not for lack of trying, just some extra water weight, and it'll certainly be gone by next week!

Violet--I have never worked for a union, so I have no idea how things work, but I wish you luck!!

Nancy- I wish you would have a talk with my sister about living off your 401k. She is horrible and budgeting her money, and she has a great job, yet she is constantly behind on her bills and rent because she spends her money foolishly. She borrows off of her 401k and by the time she pays it back, she is borrowing from it again.

Julee- Congrats on 2.6. Almost 90 pounds?? That is fantastic.

Wyllen- Yummmm, cheesecake. I'm drooling now.

I can't respond to everyone but Good Morning to all.

I got in almost an hour of exercise yesterday and plan on doing again today. I was looking at my exercise ticker and I got in over 500 minutes of exercise so far and that was with missing 12 days of exercise. So I'm going to definitely up my goal for next month. Imagine how much I could do if I actually exercised all the days I'm supposed to. I'm glad that I started keeping track of my exercise, it makes me much more aware of not only how much I do but how much I don't do.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Mornin' Chickies!

Just a quickie today. Like always I'm supposed to be working! My lack of attention at work has to be one of my more self-destructive tendancies...I always pay for it later.

Kirsikka: I'm so sorry you are feeling down. Are you treated for depression? I have a friend who is bipolar and her downs can be really rough...she tends to get thru them by focusing her energy on something other than herself...usually something to do with her house or her garden or her daughter. Come here for whenever you need to.

Julee: You are leaving me in the dust! Good for you on the loss - but I have to admit to being jealous...I've now got 20 lbs on you! Of course...I also probably haven't tried nearly as hard lately... Well done! Keep up the good work.

Wyellen: MMMmmmm! Cheesecake!

Amy: When you become Queen of all Creation can I be one of your minions? Just put me in charge of some small portion of the universe...I'll be quite content!

Well, I didn't work out last night and probably went over on points...but only by 1 or 2. So I'm good for the day still. I know I missed a ton of folks, but now, I must go dispense justice... Have a good day ladies!

Hi guys!

I am stressed for time again today ( now that I am caught up on posts ) but I did want to comment that I found all the recent conversation interesting. I love when I have time to do indiv but I understand if I am not included in someone else's. I do them because I WANT to, not because I feel I HAVE to. Saying this, I also understand that we all are busy and we all are here for the same reason. We thrive on the support and understanding that we each have for each other. This is one place that we ALL should feel comfortable and understood. Maybe not on all issues but on the ones that are around our weight and the issues that it has caused. OK, I'm done

kayley ~ My relay for Life is a 12 hour walk that happens for us in June. We raise money for cancer research and thousands of people take part. Thank goodness we ALL don't have to be walking for 12 hrs *L* We DO take turns walking a one mile track. So there are 12 people on my team, and one MUST be walking on the track at all times for 12 hours. We fundraise (we are going to be doing bake sales, BBQ"S ,pancake breakfasts, silent auctions, BINGO's etc) and also sell tickets and ask fro $ donations (pledges). It is a huge commitment but it is also very rewarding. Maybe keeping busy is one thing that may HELP me lose weight....not to mention all the walking!! *L*

OK.... times up.... I have to shower and hit the stores today. Tooooo much to do, toooo little time

Brenda

Kirsikka- Sorry to hear about your depression. I definitely understand, it is something I also struggle with.

honiangel--Sorry to hear the low carb yogurt isnt worth anything! I used to eat soy yogurt when I was vegan and it was....different. Kinda...well, gritty. Yuck . Thank you for your well-wishes on my niece and me being sick .

wyllenn--Thanks for the info on the psych degree. I had no idea there was that much to it ! I guess it goes to show there are always things going on "behind the scenes" at any job. I never thought about the research end of it, much less the committes, etc. I dont know if I could be a counselor or psychiatrist. I think I'd have a hard time dealing w/other people's problems and not wanting to get really involved. And about the cheesecake--that sounds absolutely delux! I dont think splitting a piece will do too much damage. I've never had Cheesecake Factory cheesecake before but there's one in KC (where Nat lives) and Nat's sister tells me its decadent ! Oh, and I already have a committee dedicated to eradicating TOM, but wouldnt you know it? That stupid Stayfree company is fighting it all the way!

Julee-- on the 2.6! Yeah!! Good for you for giving yourself a healthy treat. We all need that from time to time. Isnt it nice to know you can treat yourself in a healthy way ? Oh, the musical sounds SO awesome! I love the theatre! Sounds like it is pretty involved but worth every minute of time and penny spent. Oh, and glad to hear you arent going anywhere! I'd hate to have to come to LA and drag your butt back to the computer !

Luan--Yeah yeah, we want pics! We want pics! (That didnt come off as effective as "**** no, we wont go" but you get the idea )

Sharon--Your husband's union sounds horrible! Its so strange, my previous job's union was really good so I was really pro-union there, but our union here is really bad!! Sounds like his union is a lot like ours--they have forgotten what they are supposed to be fighting for . on getting back OP and back on track--I have faith in you!

Jill--Thanks, I hope everything works out. Ug .

kirsikka--I'm so sorry you are feeling bad lately. I wish there was something I could do for you . YOU are NOT worthless! I dont ever want to hear you say that again !! I hope you feel better and, please, feel free to PM me anytime if you need to talk.

teahoney-- Great job on the excercise! I dont have an excercise ticker but it sounds like a good idea. Hey, anything that keeps me accountable and shows me my progress is a good idea in my book !

Lillion--Why, yes, that's why I came to this board to begin with, to start collecting minions to do my bidding once I realize my goal of being Queen of All Creation !! !! Sounds like you still did ok on points--1 or 2over isnt going to kill ya.

Brenda--That Relay for Life sounds awesome! Good for you for staying busy, I know that always helps keep my hand out of the proverbial cookie jar !!


I feel horrible again today, worse than yesterday, so I'm off work again. I talked to one of the supervisors at work when I called in (not my direct sup) and she is so nice. She used to be my sup and I miss that! Ug, I hate my boss !! Anyway, she said I should go to the doc because there have been people at work that have had this flu thing that it has lasted for days and days and sometimes the doc can give something to help. And this way I can get a Dr note, too, so there will be no question as to if I was really sick (remind you of high school???) .

I feel like I have drank waaaaaay too much alcohol, that is what this flu feels like. I can barely walk straight and when I first got up this morning I could barely keep my eyes open. But thanks to this glaringly bright computer screen my eyes are now fully awake ! I just hope I can make it to the Dr office as driving was not agreeing w/me yesterday.

I havent been able to excercise all week as Curves was closed Mon and I've been sick since Tues . They will, of course, weigh me at the Dr's ofc today so hopefully I have lost. I've been strictly OP since Day 1 so I cant imagine not losing anything, even if I havent worked out since Saturday. I just feel nervous, though, ya know? Its like I expect myself to fail or expect that 5 days w/o excercise is all it takes to undo everything I've done .

My appt is at 1, I'll be sure to let you know what the scale says. ??

Luan...thanks so much for offering. The show is tonight, Saturday night and Sunday night. I'd say 'sure, come see it' but I am so busy per and post show (and at intermission) that I have no time to talk to anyone. Jason comes on Saturday and Sunday with me but he also works. His folks are coming on Sunday afternoon. This morning I have to go to Smart & Final to get stuff for the snack bar at intermision, then go into the office and finish up Will Call then do my regular daily work. Somewhere in there I have to eat lunch and dinner and the kids are going to want me to go to Jerry's Deli after the show with them...but I'm not going. After such a long day...as stoked as I will be for them that they had a great show I just cannot go. They never seat us until everyone (all 25 people) is there and I know that eating at 11pm is a bad idea. But once I am at the table with a menu in my hand I am a goner.

I actually have to work tomorow..my 7-8 graders are having a special dinner tomorrow night (it was NOT my first choice of date) and I have to be there. The host family is making macaron and cheese, but I'l bring my own salmon as usual. Then I am supposed to stop by a surprise birthday party. I think I get to relax Satuday during the day, but Saturday night is the biggest show and the most hectic to work. Sunday begins at Noon and ends around whenever with the cast party right after the show.

What sucks is that I actually have to work on Monday and get stuff cleaned up. I think I can get away with coming in later but oy vey...and I'll have to teach that night.

I am now exhausted just thinking about what needs to be done. ACK!

Was I supposed to post to someone else? I'm sorry..I don't know....argh!

Brenda- My daughters school is doing the Relay for Life! I am going to sign up for a time slot to walk the track. I know for sure I can do 2 miles. They have been doing all sorts of fundraising. They sell popsicles and popcorn for .25 after lunch for the kids (at least it's not chocolate or something, lol). And they are doing a parents night out where the parents pay $15 for their kids to watch movies, etc at the school so they can go out. They are doing some other stuff too, I just can't remember it all.

I made a post yesterday but it got ate and didn't post so I got pissed off and said forget it, lol. It was long, too, I wasn't typing it all back out. I weighed in this morning, but didn't lose anything. I am down a couple of inches, though, so it wasn't a total lose. When I do my strength training days, I'm going to add a round of cardio on top of it, so I'm doing cardio everyday and strenght training every other. Hopefully, that will give me the jump I need.

Quick drive by posting - I have a meeting in few minutes. Our CEO is in town.

I weighed in this morning and it was another frustrating experience. I got on and off the scale, I don't know, maybe 20 times? I tried to find a spot on the floor where I could get a consitant reading (like being the same twice when I stepped on it on the same location) and no go. I got everything from 317 to 324 - and a different number every single time. I am getting so frustrated! Does anyone have a scale they feel is really accurate? Maybe I should try and get mine replaced - perhaps there is something wrong with it.

The thing I have to remember is that the number on the scale is not what is important. I can totally feel the difference in my energy levels and my stamina while working out, so I know I am making progress.

Gotta run - hope everyone is having a good day!

Hi Ladies,

Sharon and Jillybean, you guys are sweeties. You are all sweeties. I have been here every day just reading all of the posts. So sorry that folks got feelings hurt. I think that is human. I haven't posted in over a week and I wasn't missed until Sharon and Jillybean noticed. I realize it is because the posts are flying by so quickly. Lots of times I have nothing to add. I love coming here and reading what you are all talking about. I have been thinking about joining ww because I don't know how to eat properly. I also have a new Dr. (just because of the move etc.) when I made my appointment 4 weeks from now cause she is so booked up, I asked the nurse if she specializes in anything and the nurse said that my Dr and another Dr. in the same building have weight loss classes. So, I may wait until after my appointment and see what those are all about before joining ww. I have been doing ok on staying op. Plugging along. I did get up to 3 minutes at one time so far on my eliptical. My hubby's company where he works does a lot for Precore brand exercise stuff and so my hubby gets a 40% discount. I want one of those super nice elipticals but they are about $2500 after our discount! So, it gives me something to save up for. I love the eliptical and I can imagine myself using it every day forever. For now I will enjoy my bargin one.

You are all blessings and I hope that none of you leave. I have been here for about a year now and I have seen quite a few people leave that were pretty steady posters. I do wonder about them and pray for them. I hope you all stay and we can all get through with getting our feelings left out.

To all the loosers!!!!! YES! You guys rock. For those of us who are stuggling!!! WEll, we rock too just keep on hanging in there at least we are not going up.

Catherine, I have to say I have really, really been thinking hard about what you wrote about the emergency people and trying to help obese people. It really makes you have a different perspective!

Tasha, I hope you come back sweetie. Everyone, please be blessed and have a wonderful day.
Blessings,
Dogpal

I'm gonna scream.... actually I did scream. I have NO idea what button I just pushed. No idea where the last 2 hours of replies went. I went to highlight something or something, and POOF! GONE!! I had replies to everybody and stuff and it's GOOOOONE! I can't retype all that stuff - I have GOT to do some studying. NOW I'm bummed out!

Phoey. Well, somewhere lost in e-space is my last post. None of you will ever know all the replies I had for you. Probably just as well - it will save a ton of space on the new server. Phoey!!

The puppies have destroyed the house. You'd all appreciate it. Newspapers, dog toys, space rugs, the iron - where do they GET this stuff?! Amazing. I love them anyway!

They let me sleep MOST of the night, but after the 04:30 potty trip I couldn't sleep again for aching muscles. Didn't make it to the 08:30 exercise class, but I'm planning on the on this evening for sure. What do they say? "Hair of the dog that bit ya."

Wishing you all smiles, good health, good efforts and a sugar free day!

Hello All,

Well I did it, I dragged myself out of bed and to the doctors this morning. I explained about my weight loss or lack of it and how normally I can lose 20 - 30 lbs in 4 months, yet I have lost 1 lb in the last 3 months. He asked me if anybody in my family has a thyroid problem and I said my sister. So he has given me the forms to have my blood tested for that, and while they are at it they will test my blood for diabetes, high cholesterol and all the other bad stuff. He actually asked me if I minded! How can I mind, I just want to find out what's wrong with me, and if it's not my thyroid it must be something. I know I should be losing weight more than I am. I will have the tests next week, and the results about 10 days later. I will let you know how I get on.

Kayley - how are things with Andrew's car? Sounds pretty bad that the thing was smoking! He hasn't had much joy with that car has he?

Amy - my name is pronounced like Annie, it's only a nick name, my sister spells it with one M, but then I think it does look more like it would be pronounced Amy then, so I just added another M. My real name is Ann-marie, it got shortened from that to Ann-me, to Ammi, and some people even call me Am

Sorry you are feeling so unwell, and I hope you will be feeling better soon. With regards to going to work when you are unwell it sounds awful that you have to worry about getting in trouble if you have time off. I am a firm believer that even if you have a cold that is really bringing you down you shouldn't go to work. Not only are you making yourself feel worse, but you are spreading germs to all the other workers. Colds may seem insignifigant, but get a whole workforce down with one and they can't work to the best of their abilities. So anyway, I am glad that when you decided you did have to take time off work you didn't get in trouble when you rang up about it.

Nancy - try to drink loads of water, that should help with the salt intake you would have had with that Indian meal you had. That is one thing that has never been a temptation for me. I much prefer Chinese or my biggest downfall is PIZZA, mmmm.

Amber - PM me if you need me to add a different name to my yahoo list for you. I see that thinthinker gave you instructions on how to PM, so I look forward to seeing my first one from you.

Wyllen - no worries about the email, what's wrong with that account anyway? Can you receive emails still?

You ate cheesecake, and from the Cheesecake Factory. Daren is so jealous lol, we went there when we were in Vegas and ever since no Cheesecake compares. Especially our version of US cheesecake, it's way to skimpy lol.

Julee - congratulations on the weight loss, you are doing so brilliantly. You will have to have your wedding dress made smaller if you carry on losing so well. How are the plans coming along?

Luan - oh I am green with envy, you are so lucky to be going to Australia. Why will you be there? Holiday, or work? One of the places that I know have concerts in Sydney is the Entertainment Centre. This is the link http://www.sydentcent.com.au/ On my last but one night in Australia before I moved to the UK I went to see INXS there and it was brilliant. I am sure that Velma will have some more info for you about other venues.

Sharon - that image you painted of yourself looking like a drag queen made me laugh. I have never tried false eye lashes, heck, I don't even wear mascara.

You said that you haven't really dieted well in the last couple of months, have you seen any gain apart from last week's 3 lbs? You do so well when you are on track, so I am sure when you get back in the right direction those lbs will soon come off.

Jill - just wanted to say hi as I haven't posted to you in a while

Kirsikka - are you on meds for your depression, you are right that it does seem far worse at this time of year. This morning it was sunny here and I was inspired to get out of bed and go to the doctors which I have been saying I will do for about 2 weeks now. By this afternoon the sun had gone, the weather had taken a turn for the worse and I just couldn't help myself, I went back to bed.

I know what you mean about feeling bad because everybody else seems so motivated in their daily lives and their diets and yet you don't. I can't remember the last time I felt any energy. Even when I exercise lately it is just a burden and I hate every minute of it. It's an awful way to feel. Hopefully we will both feel happier soon.

Tracey - you are doing brilliantly with your exercising. A while back you were finding it hard to push yourself to exercise, seems like you have beaten the pushing part and are happy to be doing it now. I hope it lasts!

Lilion - OMG I realised I am nearly an old hen on here lol. I know you post on the old hens thread and I remember seeing on your profile that you were born in 65. I thought, gee she is way too young to post on there, because I was thinking I was born in 68 and I am posting on here. HELLO, wake up call, I am 38 this year, only 2 more years until I am officially and OLD HEN on here lol. Who named that Thread anyway lol, I think it should be called The Best Year Hens lol. Well they do say life begins at 40 don't they. I aim to have lost all this weight by then, so if you mark my words then when I start posting on the old hens thread I should be just maintaining

Brenda - that relay for life you will be doing sounds great, do you know yet which hour in the 12 hours you will be walking? Will you be with the team the whole time even when it's not your turn to walk. It sounds like there is a lot of fund rasing going on, do you have a web page where people can donate? I have a UK friend who is doing the Walk for Life, not a relay, everybody walks 5 kms and get sponsors to donate money for them to do it. She has a web site and has had loads of money donated that way.

Melinda - I am not sure if I have welcomed you personally, and I am sure you have been here for a while now, but a belated to you!

Good for you for signing up for that Relay for Life too, I hope you will do well and raise lots of money.

Annie - lovely to see you posting. That is so cool that your hubby gets such a good discount on exercise equipment, but ouch that eliptical machine is still mega expensive even after the discount!! Well as you lose the lbs you can save the dollars and I am sure you will soon have that posh machine. I am still hoping for a Gazelle Rider for my birthday in July.

Valerie - isn't it horrendous when something happens and you lose hours of replies. I have had it happen a few times to me and it's just so disheartening. You just don't feel up to re-typing it all.

I want a photo of your beautiful puppies amongst all the mess they have made lol.

Velma - are you watching the Commonwealth Games? I am staying up so late trying to watch all the events I love live. It's the diving that is keeping me awake all hours now. I just love it, and did you see that tiny little Aussie girl competing off the 10 metre platform. She looks about 7 but is 13. I think she will win loads of medals for Australia the older she gets!

Ok I am going to get something for tea now. I have a bit of a sore throat so might just have some soup. I hope everybody is having a good day, and I will check in again tomorrow.

Huge Hugs,

Ammi

Actually, I did notice...I just kept forgetting to say anything! Glad your bargain eliptical is holding up. 3 minutes on those darn things are nothing to sneeze at...they are tough! Keep it up!


Ammi - I hope you get good results from your tests and they find only the magic cure for plateaus! I'm actually older than you give me credit for! Born in 63, not 65! Ahhh, to be 38 again!

Alright, break over!