Oh yeah, if I were to sum up what I've learned about job hunting:

It's not as much about WHAT you know but WHOM you know that gets you in the door. Now, if you want to actually KEEP the job, then you have to do a good job, of course! :-)

Do whatever you can to get yourself in a position to meet the kinds of people who are in the position to help your career. Being friendly and warm and showing them what you can do, and a bit of shrewdness is all it takes!

I am here...just haven't had the time to post. I read and want to say someting and then I have to run and I forget what I wanted to say. My computer won't even let me read the last thread...argh.

So the scale said I was up again..but TOM is next week and I have been working out like a fiend and we had that huge eating event with the Bar Mitzvah last weekend..so it is what it is. I got a free training session at the gym the other day....it was empty and I had 25 minutes to kill, so I worked with Mimi (the trainer) on arms and abs. I think she is trying to kill me, but at least I will die thinner and more toned. HAH! There is a cute dress I ant to buy but it shows off my upper tummy pooch too much...so I want to try to flatten it out a bit. My wais has gotten pretty small (39 inches the other day!!!) but my goo above and below are the problem. I have a sucker-inner thing that looks like bike pants but then the exces gets pushed up and it's unpretty

I am so excited..the invites went out for my first Bridal Shower...wow! I'm going to be a bride...LOL

I'm off to make another dinner experiment. I went looking for a recipe for a crustless pie...but it called for SF cook and serve pudding...which they didn's have at the store...so this will be an experiment. In the end I used SF/FF instant, 1/2 package of SF jello and a bunch of fruit. It will either be yummy or garbage. Dinner will be a revision on the Moroccan Chicken I have been making. I am going to try to blend my recipe (thanks Rachael Ray) and my friend's. Then I think I am going to roast fingerling potatoes in garlic and aby broccoli with chili flakes. Shall I set another few places?

Ok...80's child that I am...I am off to watch the end of Greas (it's on TV...woohoo).

Have a great weekend. I think I have finally convinced Jason to watch Brokeback Mountain with me tonight!!!

Maria - I've actually thought about that, but doing so would screw myself... LOL...I have to make money this summer or I can't go to college in the fall...and if I don't go to college, I won't be able to get a good job, and then I'm back to where I started....ha!

Everything went swell with the counselor today. He told me to try and THINK next time I go to make fun of myself (that's one of my many defense mechanisms), and see what triggers that in me...and try to see how quickly my mood changes...from happy to sad to anger, etc. He said anti-anxiety medication may be helpful, but that won't be for a LONG time now...

Hi Everyone!

I decided to do a 'fly by' posting as others have had to do. I've been getting on here to read, but only had time to post a couple of very quick replies and to report into the exercise thread, which definitely keeps me accountable.

This week has been very hectic and tiring, as first weeks of term usually are. I was very naughty and didn't get myself fully prepared in the holidays, so have had to do more in the evenings than I normally would. I also have a student teacher in (doing her final year of training) and I don't get to duck on here during recess and lunch breaks. I figure it would be a bit rude to ignore her at those times. She is a lovely lady, but it is still an adjustment to have someone else in the room. It will be wonderful when she is teaching more and I have to get mid-year reports written. I won't have to do them all out of school hours. She is in my room for 8 weeks and will be teaching for the bulk of the day for probably 4 of those. Should give me PLENTY of time for reports. I just hope I make good use of that time.

I have also been pretty tired after work, and have been having a nap when I can. I think this is just settling in time, but I still want to get myself to the doctor (when I have the time and energy... and actually REMEMBER to call and make an appointment) to see if there is any other reason for being tired. As I've mentioned before, after losing more than half my body weight, I just expected to feel a LOT more energetic. I MUST get my act together and get it checked out, just as much for peace of mind as anything else. It is getting close to having my Vitamin D and B12 levels checked again anyway, so I can kill two birds with one stone as they say.

I have been having trouble with my knee, which I was NOT impressed about. I think I got a little carried away with jogging, as it was such a novelty that I could actually jog at ALL, let alone as much as I was. I went to the chiropractor yesterday, for my regular monthly maintainence session and he adjusted my knee as well, which was wonderful. It felt better immediately and has been better since. It ached a little after the treadmill this morning, but seems OK again now. He also gave me some strengthening exercises for an inside muscle. He said that if this muscle is weak it allows the knee cap to move out of place... or something like that... and that was causing the pain. Fingers crossed.

I am hoping to have more time over the weekend to actually do some individual responses, and you are allowed to kick my butt if I don't get them done. (I hope someone has REALLY long legs)

Catch you all soon.

Take care,

Zelma

Crock - lovely to see your post, I was getting worried I am glad that you are feeling at least a little bit better. And of course I am THRILLED to hear that you have lost yet another 3 lbs I am glad to hear that your doctor says it's fine to be losing as fast as you are and that you could go right up to 80 lbs lost before things slow down a little.

MariaLucia - glad to see you post, I am glad you are just busy rather than not well.

Julee - sorry to hear that you had a small gain this week, but you expected it, so it's not too bad. I am sure you will soon shift it.

How many bridal showers are you going to have, I just noticed that you said the invitations had gone out for your 'first' one? When is it? I hope it's wonderful. I don't know if people do that over here, I don't know anybody who has ever had one, so you will have to tell me all about it

How did the dinner experiment go, did it end up getting eaten and enjoyed, or thrown out? I hope it wasn't the latter because it certainly did sound yummy.

Oh I love Grease too, the first time I watched it was in highschool when the school got new video players. One teacher brought Grease in and it went around all the classes lol, we all got to see it. I have it on DVD now, and it even came with the song words, not that I need them of course

Kayley - I am glad that all went well at the counselor. I like the task he has set you. He sounds great. My counselor has never done anything like that with me, I really am beginning to believe that she isn't very good at all. Anyway, I hope that you will learn not to make fun of yourself as your defense mechanism. You are much too nice a person to have anybody do that, including yourself!

Zelma - yay, glad you posted, that's one more I can cross off my 'where are they' list I am sorry that you are still feeling tired, and I can imagine how frustrating it is. Like you said, you lost all your excess weight and expected to be full of life, and yet you are so tired. I am glad you are going to go to the doctors about it.

That's good that your chiropractor has done his job and made you knee much better, and that he gave you an exercise that inside muscle. Hopefully you will be jogging again with no worry about it.

Patti - you asked how I have been doing, do you mean in general or with the weight loss. In general more than good, enjoying having some more energy and getting lots of jobs I have been putting off, done. Regarding weight loss, well I don't weigh til Monday, but I have been a good girl all week, so I am hoping to see a loss. Fingers crossed!

Ok time for me to make a move, it's late and time for me to get some sleep. Hope everybody has a wonderful weekend,

Hugs,

Ammi

hi ladies!

making an impromptu apperarance from school.. fun times.

not a lot has been going on with me. i have been reading and keeping up with you all. im a BIT behind, but i know you love me anyway.

im going to idaho next week for my best friend's graduation. im really excited. i know she wanted me to come really bad, and i happened to get a credit card (the devil) for 300 bucks, so what the ****, right? im excited to go and im excited for her. shes going on to ghana in august. how exciting.

school is good. i miss my old class tho. my new instructor is.. shall we say... ben stein in ferris bueller, with less personality. its really annoying. he treats us like 5 year olds. he yells at us to be quiet like every 5 mins. and we arent even that noisy. its a SMALL classroom, with 23 other people in it. and he freaks out if we talk. its lame. other than that. im learning a lot. right now we are doing old age makeup. that is to say how to age a younger face 20 or so years. i know most of you here dont want ANY tips on that one.. lol

work is going well. i am getting rave reviews. i graduated training with "best of new hire" which is an award they give to someone in training that stood out. i also got my first review yesterday. it was really good. they said that im working well above where i should be. its nice to be noticed for my hard work. its not the greatest job in the world, but its flexable and i get (some) benefits... limited medical and a gym membership. and it pays alright too.

hmm... i feel like i havent been here in forever. i didnt weigh in last week because i was working on a short film that we are submitting to all the major film festivals. that was a fun night. there were a few minor snafu's but all in all a good night was had by all. i cant wait to see the finished project.

this weekend is my friend's wedding shower. im doing her and her bridesmaids makeup for the wedding, so im doing a consultation with them after the shower. it should be fun, and more pics for my book. awesome!

dogpal - its so good to see you on track. *hugs*

ammi - *waves* hello

julee - im in burbank tonight. set a place for me. i will be over arround 10

everyone else... im so sorry i havent been arround. i will make a more concious effort to post more often. keep in mind that i WILL be out of town for a week. with little or no internet connection. so dont flogg me if im not arround

*hugs to all*
Luan

ok fingers crossed for you this weekend Ammi. glad you are having more energy too!

Ammi: dinner was great. we haven't had dessert yet...we're settling while Jason does the dishes. Some of the stuff was a little salty and since I didn't have quite enough chicken stock the chicken got a touch overcooked but all in all I was pleased...except I didn't know that Jason doesn't like olives and of course...I put olives into the dish. However since I had rinsed them they didn't flavor the rest of everything and he was able to pick them out. How did I go 3 years not knowing this???

Bridal showers...no idea. This might be the only one but my friend (and bridesmaid) Wendy said she wants to do one as well with some of the other girls...and someone at work might want to so I have absolutely no idea. I'm just going with the flow. I don't think I have ever been to a bridal shower and the very thought of a party being thrown for me (birthdays are different) is really overwhelming to me.

Luan: I should have you come by some day and do a consult for me

Zelma: knee problems are no fun at all. I hope things go well for you.

Kayley: You have a good therapist. If his initial reaction to your queries about medications was not to whip out the prescription pad..that's a very very good thing. Good luck with the job search!

Oh..soooo full from dinner. Have a great weekend!!

Elaine, I’m so happy for you that you got a surprise head start on your weight loss! That pleasant surprise from the scale has to be a relief and encouragement as you start again. Here’s to your success!!!

AzCyn – I love your avatar – so pretty! I hope your nose is suffering less today. Allergies are miserable!

Jilly – What great NSV’s – skipping BOTH the evil donut AND the evil-er McD’s! BRAVO!

NANCY – COOL deal on the negative 4 pounds!! Congrats! *** And if Kayley doesn’t want that job, I’LL take it! Let’s face it – the commute couldn’t POSSIBLY be worse than it is right now!

Sharon/VooDoo – I hope you had a lovely walk with Aiden. Isn’t spring WONderful!? *** Oh my – Men just don’t get it sometimes, do they? That little comment, while the spirit might be appreciated, CERTAINLY would have cooled my jets as well!!

Ammi – Good to see you getting out. Shopping sounds like fun. I’d love to buy some new clothes, but I hate to do it before I lose weight. I love to shop for ANYthing tho.. earrings, Christmas presents, …food. *** As for Boston Legal, it seems you guys have a lot of American programming over there. I’ve always loved the British programming. I think they should come out with a London Legal – wouldn’t it sound better with some studly Brit accents??

Brenda, WooHOO! I’m so excited for you & your latest -2 pounds. That’s SUPER!

Busy TRACEY, That’s great that you’ve stocked the house with good foods. It’s so important to success I think. Good luck on that exercise on Sunday, too. I will if you will!

Annie – Yikes! ANOTHER 4 down! That’s so great!!! I’m SO excited about your continuing success! Have another great day today!

Crock – I hope you’re feeling better and can medicate those nasty allergies & pms. * I understand how frustrating your friend was, even in her desire to help. Sometimes people are just sure they know what’s better for us than we do, but at least it seems that you understand she really meant well. You’re doing a really great job Here & Now. Keep it up!

Lilion – poor wounded woman! Hang in there, and stay away from the chocolate!

Oh, Kayley! I’m so glad you escaped THAT job interview. It’s too bad they wasted your time like that tho. I hope you’re surprised by how you did on your Psych exam. ***LOOK to you, woman! 60 pounds since Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!

SueMarie – Awesome, awesome, AWESOME job on the -5 pounds!

Patti – Fantastic that you’ve chased off the Pesky Pound AND one of his friends!! Congrats!!!

Misti! If you’re going to be 59, then that’s not your picture in your avatar!

Maria Lucia, What EXCELLENT advide on job hunting. I’m going to pass that on to several young people that I know. It also makes several such volunteer jobs that I’d like to do anyway, even more attractive. Thanks so much for that contribution!!

Julee – what a wonderful time you have ahead of you, getting ready for your Big Day! Have a fantastic time, and I’m sure that shower will be lovely!!

Zelma, I’m startled to see you back to school already. I thought you had 2 weeks off, but ZING – it’s over already?!? I hope your student teacher works out wonderfully! Glad to hear also that your knee is doing much better!

OH LUAN! Glad to see you posting and doing so great at work! I have a couple of issues/questions for you!! First of all, I heard from my niece who would love to talk about GHANA with your friend. I’ll PM you her addy. Second, I’ve heard of home & office calls for massage specialists, but have you ever heard of in-home day spa type services? Where perhaps several specialists might come in, do massage, facials, nails and/or hair? Perhaps even for a party of individuals? Just wondered, and since you’re in the field…

HOWDY EVERYBODY ELSE!

HEY, Where are CATHERINE, MOM2FIVESWEETIES, GARNET and others??

IT'S GORGOUS HERE - Rocky Mountains on the Calif/Nevada border, still lots of snow, and the creeks are rushing with the melting snow. I wish there was somewhere to stop & get out to smell the devine fragence of the pines. Traffic is heavy, as all the Californians head over the mountains to the Nevada casinos to gamble. I wish I had cash like that to throw away!

I'm feeling very guilty about accidently slamming the tuck door on poor puppy's paw. He seems in good spirits (he's wrestling with old Max right now) and it's not swollen, but he was still limping when I took him out last time. I feel so bad.

- Oh heavens! There's still a wall of snow 4 to 12 feet high in the rest area!! The air is UNbelievable.

OK. So this job does have it's perks. I'll enjoy those for now. =)

Thanks all for your replies and all looks good so far.

Yes, the change in how much I have to lose was a very pleasant surprise. I really thought for sure I was at least 350 lbs.

Well it's late must go to bed now.

Night all. All the best...talk agan soon.

Hello everyone!

Does anyone know if SUGAR can cause joint and muscle pain? My knees and ankles and hands and basically anything that is a joint has been hurting these past two days and the ONLY think I can come up with is that I've been having more sugar than usual. Eeeeeek! This is going to make my dance class from **** into something else! I hope I survive.

It's my bday this week. I decided tonite that I want to spend part of it with my ex's daughter. I just emailed her dad (since he has her on my b-day) to see if I can pick her up from school at 3 so that we can go to the manicurist and then to get our make up done at the Laura Mercier counter since I need new lipstick and lipliner anyway.

If she doesn't have one kindda after-school class or a playdate, he's probably going to say yes. I hope he does. Cuz I decided that I need to have a conversation with her about my breakup with her Mom. It's not fair to an 8-year old when an adult who's been an integral part of her life for over 2 years just disappears without a word. L, in her standard mode of prefering to get all her teeth pulled while she's running a marathon than having to talk about hard stuff with ANYONE, would rather just let her "figure it out" that we are broken up. To this day I still believe she hasn't told her. But I just cannot do that. I want to make sure this little girl knows that I love her and that I'm not just leaving for no reason (or worse, because of her - since that is how children her age think). <deep sigh> Wish me luck...I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to answer her questions. It will surely make for a bitter-sweet birthday celebration.

Oh, and have I told you my therapist ROCKS. She's VERY perceptive and completely dead-on. Thursday's session was brutal but amazingly profound. I am so very glad to have her in my life. Here's a cheer to continue emotional healing and to sowing the seeds of internal peace and self-love.

OK, it's late and I have to go to sleep. My joints hurt so much. I really MUST lay off the sugar.

Nite everyone.

Hi Ladies,

Sharon: I sure hope your tummy problems ease up soon. I have never had a hernia but my step mom has had hiatel hernias (sp). She may have another. Her signs of them are heart burn no matter what she eats. Feel better soon and go see your Dr. Missy.

Patti: Congrats on your -2.

Misti: I hope you have a super time on your cruise! Sounds like so much fun.

Crock: Hope your back gets feeling better soon. Congrats on -3 woo hoo!

Julie: sounds like you are busy but with fun things. Glad to see you post so we know you are doing well!

Zelma: OOOh I hope your knees start behaving soon.

Luan: It sounds like you are enjoying your work. Just remember that teacher is there to help you get patience for when you have to work on someone annoying like that. LOL.

Val: So glad to see you post. I wasnt' sure if you were riding your horses or back on the road. I know exactly where you were when you posted. I have been over that area so many times when I lived in Sacramento. It is beautiful. Be happy you aren't going over the pass on a holiday weekend when there is still snow with all the skiers coming from Sac and San Fran. UGH. That makes for a long 2 hour trip turning into a 6 to 8 hour trip at times. Happy driving and give Simon a big big hug for me.

Well all, I have been doing pretty well dispite a small fever. I went and worked out at Curves today and then I went and treated myself to getting a spa manicure. It was so relaxing and my cuticles are smiling.

Blessings all, and missing the ones that are MIA bunches. Come back!
Dogpal

Ohhhhh I knew I liked this group here for a reason LOL. Thanks for the compliments... but yes that picture in the Avatar was taken last month. That's one thing about losing the weight... all the fat in my face smooths out the wrinkles LOL so when I lose it there they will all be! But it will be worth it! Someone already told me they can see a big difference in my face.

Hope all of you have a great weekend!

I am so excited. I added a picture to my avitar. It is of my two preciouse dogs. Yellow one is my male and his name is Bear and the black dog is my female and her name is Pepper. They are my kids. Some time soon I will have my hubby take a picture of me and if it is not too scary, I will put it on my avitar or on the picture area.

Blessings,
Dogpal