I'm back for just a minute...

Julie - lol about your son. My Katie used to cover her eyes when she was naked, lol. Kids can be so funny.

The temp is supposed to be around 80 degrees today, so I'm going out to work in the yard and soak up the sun.

See you later!

Good morning, ladies...

OK, I've been up 3 hours and already consumed like...12 points. Not so good, considering I only get 30 a day Most of it was healthy stuff, too...I was just hungry, but then started writing down what I've had: 2 pieces toast, a banana, 1 cup of hot cocoa made w/1% milk...I'd better pace myself, or I'll be out of points before lunch

What do you ladies eat for breakfast? I get bored with the same things, so need to try something new, something easy (especially when I go back to my full shift next week), something not just low points/low cal/low fat but also nutritious, and satisfying enough to keep me from munching all the way until lunch. And while we're at it, any good lunch ideas? Fortunately, some of my coworkers got sick of the junk in the vending machines, and started sort of a healthy snack cart in the breakroom -- you can buy apples, bananas, oranges, yogurt, string cheese, celery or carrot sticks, rice cakes, etc. It's on the honor system -- if you take it off the shelf or out of the fridge, you are just supposed to put the $ in the box. They just started it this week, so hopefully it will be successful and everyone will be honest. It's been a lifesaver for me the last two days -- kept me from eating fast food or lunch out of the vending machine.

Jules, I've heard good things about the Sonoma Diet -- kind of like South Beach, I understand? I never seem to be able to stick with a specific diet "plan", but WW has worked for me because I can tailor it to whatever food I feel like, whatever is in season, on sale, whatever. I just gotta remember: stay within my points, measure portions, write everything down (really bad about that), and drink my water. And exercise -- literally need to get moving in that department! I don't know how it is for you, but I had to give up regular Coke entirely. I know I was completely addicted to it -- headaches and nausea in the morning until I had one, feeling like I couldn't make it through the afternoon at work without one, it was bad. When I realized I was drinking an average of a sixpack (sometimes more!) a day of Coke, I quit cold turkey. Wasn't fun, either. But I started drinking Diet Dr Pepper (Diet Coke and Pepsi are ok, but I like DDP better for some reason). So, I drink one or two DDP a day -- not great for me, but better than six or more Cokes. And I drink a lot less diet soda if I make myself drink at least one large bottle of water a day. Babysteps, babysteps...

Marti, yeah, arm still hurts, some days it's better than others, thanks for asking... I'm trying to get into a Chronic Pain Management class my HMO offers, but having trouble being able to schedule the time off work. My workman's comp dr. (the hand surgeon) can't prescribe the class through my HMO, but she is trying to find out if a similar class is available through the university hospital so she could prescribe that instead. If she *prescribes* the class, they can't tell me that I can't have the time off work to attend because the "vacation calendar is full" and I won't have to use up my personal leave time, either. Excuse me...this isn't a vacation. It's a chronic pain management class because I was injured on the job and now I am in chronic pain. Or maybe I AM a chronic pain -- something like that, anyway

Hi Michelle -- I just went back and read your bio...we have about the same weight loss goals: about 20 lbs lost and about 100 to go. Maybe we can help push/pull each other uphill And I noticed your b-day is the same as my son Noah's...and my boys are 15, 20, and 22.

Jane, are you making a package of like Uncle Ben's wild rice mix, or do you have a bag of plain wild rice? In the recipe thread, somewhere, I had a really good soup made with ff mushroom soup, and leftover chicken breast, leftover wild rice mix, and some cooked veggies...

Hope to get Disneyland pics online in the next day or two, for anyone who's interested OK, gotta leave for work in about an hour and 15 min. I'm going to try to get in a 20 min workout (babysteps, huh?), a bottle of water, and a quick shower. Fortunately, "doing my hair" consists of coming my wet hair from the shower and shoving it into a ponytail holder. I'm SUCH a glamour girl, ya know...

Have a great day, ladies

Jane--DD used to tell DH he couldn't look at her naked because he was a boy

Marti--With DS gone, DH has taught me to use the chain saw--it was kinda fun--I can't use the axe to split wood though--I have a visual of missing the log and hitting my shin with the axe so I can't bring myself to swing the axe hard enough

Katie--Sonoma is like South Beach with more veggies allowed and portion control based on the size of your plate. I was at the same place with the Coke and switched to water at the beginning of the year. I don't drink alot of diet sodas because it makes my crave the real stuff. I do drink Diet Sprite, both hot & cold tea and a moning cup of coffee. Sorry about you pain.

With my coworker out--there's lots extra to do and I need to "carry on" as Tim Gunn of Project Runway says....

Hi ladies,

Robin - this is the place! Wow, you've done so well with your weight loss so far. I had taken a break, too, but am back at it. It's hard for me to exercise because I have trouble with my knee. I've been to a specialist, and he gave me some knee exercises to do and advised me to take it easy until I get back from Florida next week. Anyway, again, welcome.

Marti - haha, James has you for a new secretary/gofer. That's cute! I'm glad you're liking the new hours at work. Do the people seem friendly?

Mary Kate - that's good news about the healthy snacks at your work now. It's so much easier to stay OP with options like that. About the rice, well, I was talking about bagged wild rice. I've used the Uncle Ben's but don't like all the sodium in it. Hey, I'm VERY interested in your Disneyland pics and can't wait to see them.

Jules - you know how to use a chain saw?? My hat's off to you, hon. I think the Sonoma diet is a good one, too. But I guess I'm just a die-hard WW, lol. Too funny, what your DD told DH, lol.

Michelle - aww, let us know what the tests show about your grandma, ok? Too bad you can't have pets. Maybe a bird? Or a fish? Not quite the same as a dog, though.

Oh my gosh, the grandkids have worn me out today! We've been in the yard, marching around, singing "I'm Following The Leader, the Leader" letting each one take turns being the leader. Hey, does that count as exercise??

Later, ladies.....

I'm so excited!! I got the new 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet book delivered today, and it's awesome! Anyone who hasn't already ordered it, please do so asap. There is a link to Amazon at the top of the page. Btw, my story is on page 9. Better go dig out the shades 'cause I just know I'm gonna be a celeb now, lol, and I'll have to be incognito. ( )

Kudos to Suzanne, Jennifer and Amy for this wonderful contribution!

Good day ladies,

Michelle, I like your bear pic, I used to teach tole painting which is what that bear is,,,pretty much painted anything that stood still with lil bears and bunnies.

Marti, so glad your life is getting on track,,,I know the feeling of working nights and feeling off sorts. Hope your grandpa leaves a few sticks for you,,,a evening camp fire with friends is something I so enjoy. Specially if someone can play the guitar and sings.

Katie, what a great idea bout the healthy snacks. I normally just bring enough to last 2-3 days and leave them either in my desk or in the fridge. Monte has been complaining of his arm,,,(not just his wrist) aching,,,worried of course more so about him needing surgery with you and how yours has turned out. Do you think in time it will settle down? I just don't understand about companies, they can just suck the life out of you and then not care other then that you can't do the job you used to do. I hope everything works out for you. Good job on the loss....

Jane, did the Dr. say to ice/heat the knee? Advil or something else for pain/swelling?

and welcome to our new member

I am hoping I can come back in to post more later...just on the run to do some banking...
later

Michelle I used to buy Boyd Bears all the time and give them away as gifts...
I do have a few bears around the house. One that is like a new born the way it *flops* in my arms.

Michelle, Im a theatre (or was) junkie,,and did a play last year called Iolanthe, 20 women as fairies and then 20 men as fairies,,,I was exhausted with doing makeup and costumes. I have one more day of Aladdin then i am completely done with theatre.

So as I was saying awhile back I saw my family Dr. about a referrel to see Dr. McKenna. He was so excited about this, he had just read a report on her and her office, all good. Did call Dr. McKenna's office to find out how long of a wait. 4-5 months! I was told 1 month,,,but the recptionist said that its gotten very busy, and they are hoping a new Dr. will be joining soon.
So as of right now I need something for the next 4-5 months..hating that this past month I have gained... had felt that I was doing really good,,,eating was on the most part clean. But the scale is showing a gain 8 lbs.
Need to drink my water I know...so hard when the weather is cold and blustery. *sigh just feel fusterated that I can't seem to get it together.

Good morning, Jaded Ladies,

Angie - so sorry about the wait to see the doc. But it will be worth it, and the time will pass fast now that summer is near. You tole paint too? Sheesh, is there any craft you don't do? About my knee, the doc gave me a scropt for Darvon but I haven't filled it yet. I've been taking Aleve when I really, really need it. Your avatar is cool!

Michelle - yay for ordering the book. You're gonna like it! I used to do WATP and liked it. The offer of different levels is a good idea. Gives a person something to work up too. About bears, my DD Mary collects the Cherished Teddy ones. Too cute!

Marti - no banks in my town, but Vincennes has so many that there's a lot of competion. Some drive-throughs open as early as 7:30 for the working crowd. Most open at 8. 10 seems awfully late! Aww, I'm glad you're happy at work. Hope your cramps are gone today.

Julie - hope you're having a good day so far.

Mary Kate - good morning!

I sat up last night and read the 3FatChicks diet book. It is absolutely perfectly written. They injected just the right amount of humor in it, and the way the describe all the diets available is great. Good recipes, too.

Today I'm going to attempt to work in the yard, if it doesn't bother my knee, and if it doesn't rain. What are your plans for the day?