Hi, Emma and Jenelle, and welcome to our thread! . I'm looking forward to getting to know you, and will appreciate your support.

Nikki, I'm sorry to hear that you're still struggling. Is there an urgent care clinic or some other place you can visit? Next week seems like a long time to wait for your doctor. This seems to call for more than chicken soup...

Carol, Bear really gave you guys a scare! He probably has no idea of how panicked you were.

Penny, I'm glad I'm not the only one who is reluctant to change my ticker . I weigh myself several times a week, and in theory I change my ticker to reflect the weekend's weight, or if just really excited about a loss. I am having tremendous cravings right now, so I think TOM is around the corner. I am not going to cave in, and will have my scheduled snack instead of the baked potato chips I'm really wanting. I don't need willpower dust, I just need to remember that I'd like to see the number 219 by September 21...

Marie, that column was a hoot, thanks

Yesterday went by in a flash. I didn't work out, but I ate on program most of the day. I went to a reception and had a wine spritzer and a bit of chicken on skewers and some yummy corn pudding thing, then met a friend for another glass of wine, and we shared some grilled fish (it was an Ethiopian place, so there wasn't much in the way of an appetizer menu). Today I did 45 minutes of cardio, had celery, ham and kefir for lunch, a salad with hard-boiled egg for lunch, and am about to have a cup of homemade veggie soup for a snack. I'm still working on not being jittery in my apartment, waiting for a mouse to jump out and say "Boo" . I gave myself a vicious cut on my finger on Saturday, because I'm just being weird and jumpy. I will ask for the exterminator to look around again on Thursday, then I will tell myself that this whole ordeal is in the past.

See you tomorrow--judy

Judy, you are so funny. Not the cut, but that you cut yourself because you were scared of the mouse??? Even I'm not that bad and I'm a wimp. But you do make me smile. Good job being on track. The celery would be yucky, but the rest sounded good.

Emma, thanks for explaining the PCOS a little. Just keep fighting the battle and eventually you'll win. But it a lifetime war. We're in this together. To win the I don't want to exercise battle after work, I switched to before work. Now, as the other ladies can attest, I'm obsessive about exercising because it give me the endorphines (sp?) to handle the day. I'm lost without exercising in the morning. I mad ethe switch about 1.5 years ago and it was the best thing I EVER did. Better than even losing the 40 pounds. But I do remember having that battle with the body in the beginning. A wise 3FC member said to me about morning exercise "it's not meant to be fun". When I looked at it that way, I wont the battle. Now after work when I exercise it's always the fun stuff - biking, swimming, etc. Mornings are the "exercise" and aftenoons are the "fun".

Jennelle, thanks for joining us. Wow you have a lot going on. Sorry about the divorce (unless you're happy about it then, congratulations). 6 grandkids??? I have one and my DS just moved to San Diego and DGS will be moving permanently there in December.

Carol, we had a candidate that stayed with his current employer leaving us in the lurch so I understand the man's disappointment. The equal, but 2nd chosen on the list, had received his no thanks letter. He would have been very good. When we contacted him, he'd just accepted a position the day before. Not telling that to make you feel bad, just that it's awkward no matter what side you're on. They'll survive but at least you know you'd really been wanted. That's awesome for an ego.

Nikki, pity parties are allowed. Judy's right you need to go to a doctor. Asthma is nothing to sneeze at (or cough for that matter). When my asthma isn't controlled by the daily meds and rescue inhaler the only thing that wil do it is prednisone. I HATE the stuff as I become a raving lunatic on it, but breathing is important. Re-read that phrase - breathing is important so get on the ball and get to the dr. asap.

Penny, my son and I enjoyed that article together. I bookmarked the man's column as his humor is my type. I also liked that perhaps we're soft around the middle because the oatmeal is still down there. I do like oatmeal, but I like them best in oatmeal raisin cookie form. Yep, I'll be a life long member of the dieting club as that like will never change.

Okay, I should work.

Yesterday's stats: about 2100 cals. but I did walk 1.5 miles. Then zoned out for the after work time so no swimming. Today, much better on track.

Oh, and my donkey dogs took a giant step backwards and are puking and stuff again. They keep eating grass which upsets their stomachs. Right now they're confined to the house - no grass (or weed ) in my house so that should help.
Marie

Welcome Janelle! We've already got something in common - I weighed 208 when I was 51! I rapidly gained more weight when menopause hit and ended up at 225. I'm now 57 (58 next Saturday) and I didn't start losing till I was 55. It's taken me almost 3 years to lose about 40 lbs., but I've never gained back more than a couple of pounds. Just goes to show, it's never too late! Sorry to hear you're going through a divorce - it's a hard row to hoe no matter what the reason. I was on the "Racing to 199" thread a couple of years ago and found lots of support there. I've mainly been on this thread since then. The ladies here are great and very supportive.

Emma - It's nice that the receptionist paid you the compliment. It's always good for our egos when we get affirmation from others who notice our progress.

Judy - I bet that Ethiopian food was yummy. You're very strong willed to avoid temptation in such an exotic eatery. You're doing great staying on plan. I hope your finger heals quickly.

Carol - It keeps me on track too when I journal my food. I've been experimenting by just doing some "mental math" and adding up my calories throughout the day and it seems to be working so far as I'm hoping to report a loss on Friday (if the fat doesn't find it's way back to me by then )

Nikki - Take Marie's advice about the asthma and see someone at the urgent care if you feel worse.

Marie - Sorry to hear your dogs are barfing again. It's bad enough when our cats do that with their hair balls and they are a LOT smaller than your big guys!

I was invited to lunch today by a girlfriend to celebrate my birthday. I had chicken and lettuce wraps and it was a very good substitute for Mu-Shu (my favorite) which comes with pancakes instead of the lettuce cups. My birthday isn't till Saturday but my DH and I may be going to the coast if the weather holds up. I've got a bit of an MSG headache, but that always happens when I have chinese food. They always say there's no MSG added, but I don't believe them!

Thanks for the welcome Carol, Judy and Nikki

Nikki - I hope you feel better soon

Jennelle - Welcome! a new comer like me, hope we can encourage eachother to reach our goals, it seems like a very supportive group

Judy - omg, that scary, hope they're all gone for good. You're doing okay on your diet & exercise, keep it up!

Marie - I am hoping to win this war, I'm sick of taking bcps all the time!. Sorry to hear about your dogs, I hope they get better soon. Never know dogs could get sick from eating grass - are you sure they're dogs not goats? lol j/k!

Penny - An early happy birthday to you! I love chinese but its all MSG and deep-fried to death. Sweet 'n Sour chicken ..yumm!

I'm did okay yesterday, bfast was toast and sf jelly, salad for lunch, stir fried chicken and some potatos for dinner, plenty of green tea and water - exercise was another video. Will do tae bo video today, looking forward to that

~Emma

Welcome Jenelle hope you and Emma will both enjoy the support, laughs and good nature of the folks on this site. From lifestyle changes, healthy info., dogs, cats, soap making ideas, recipes and friendship we got it all and are very lucky to have each other. So join in and we will spread our thoughts and info. this has been a wonderful site for me hope its what your looking for too.
Well a whoosh came through on that little white box this morning and I am getting close to my wt. I lost earlier on. I guess thats a real good thing and I feel great about it. I took off 1.5lbs since the last ck. The scale is helping me as I seem to think more about making positive life changes not dieting cause that ends normally for most of us when we reach our goal I am trying to think more on life changes forever thing. Maybe if I drum it in my head I will get it right this time around. I had a goal by the end of the month and now I am real close so I can do it and then some!!! I need to stay motivated thats for sure I am starting to walk at work 20 min. down to the main office and back. Its not a straight full 20 as I stop and get mail talk to folks do business etc. I found out yesterday that one of our top notch girls from another dept is going to be the director of the program the job I turned down in that office. If I had known the outcome might of been a bit different but I am pleased so far with my choice. My director said to me yesterday I hope if I ever decide to leave as many folks will be upset as they were for you it was quite a thing. It made me feel good that people were saying what and then taking action to see if I would stay. I guess it helps me realize that what I do is important and I have respect of many others regardless of the petty office mate at times.
Yesterday I made some jalpeno pasta oh so good! Today its yellow tomatoes and little mozz. balls with dressing for lunch and need to add in some fruit. Peaches have been really great here lately.
Nikki hope your on a mends and by all means go to the doc's if you get worse. Not fun at all!!! THINKING OF YOU!!
Penny we need to share some soap making ideas soon christmas is coming and I would like a jump start this year with that in mind.
Marie oh puppies being sick isn't good. The hair weaving is what I get too but I just called it foils and highlights what do I know??? I color mine in between just the roots and pull it through the last 5 min or so and I get 3 months out of it. Soon to be done at the salon in Sept.
Judy would you like one more mouse or maybe some extras we have had many droppings left in our office. OH!!! Not so nice I don't like them either seems awful early for them to be checking out their winter headquarters? Well take care everyone and hope I didn't miss anyone here? I am off to make some flaxseed toast and have some coffee. Think I will visit the health food store today.

Good morning everyone, I'm writing early as I'm am soaking my toe as per dr. instructions and the computer was on. Thought, might as well.

Doggies are doing better. I'm locking them in the house all day the rest of the week. Emma, I call them donkeys but goats would be ok. They're eating the grass because the stole a 3 pound bag of chicken jerky dog treats and ate it all. Tried to kill themselves. The vet bill was not nice last week. That Costco treat was not $12 more like $300 now. Doggies eat grass to make themselves vomit if they're stomachs are upset. So I'm keeping them in a controlled environment so their stomachs start to heal.

Penny, I hope the weather holds up. The coast is so beautiful in our fair state and would be a great birthday. We were at a southern coast town (can't remember the name right off) and the place had sugar free fudge that was too good to describe. I'd love to get more as it was lo-cal too. That was about 3 years ago.

Carol, no looking back on the job decisions. Your place now knows that you won't tolerate it and they want you. It was a good decision.

Aw, I must get ready for work. Bummer. Talk to you later.

Oh yesterday's stats: 1700 cals - still too high and I walked 1.5 miles and swam .5 miles.

Nikki, Janelle and Judy, hope you doing great.
Marie

Wow, this day flew by--I started cleaning my office this afternoon, I was wasting too much time looking for papers and files. I needed to start new homes for new projects, otherwise the stuff just kept getting piled and pushed around from one spot to another and driving me bonkers. I should be more productive the rest of the week . I also got caught up in making logistics for another work trip to New Orleans and for the wedding in Chicago next month. I have complicated trip to Texas in October--I think I'll let travel agent figure that one out. These travel websites are great, but trying to get the best deals on the right days and times can make your eyes cross .

I've been eating on program, my usual pattern of veggies at every meal and with a little protein for snacks. Lox were on sale at the grocery store, so I had some in my salad today along with some feta cheese and capers. Hmm, not bad, if you like fish (and I do). I think that dinner will be chicken and spaghetti squash. I only had time for a short cardio workout this morning, so I want to get home to hit the fitness center for half an hour or more.

I need to run and catch my bus, so no personals, except: atta girl, Carol! I can't eat much less, so my scale will get with the program any day now. As the Borg say on Star Trek, "Resistance is futile!"

Hope everyone else has a nice evening.

judy

Hi ladies-

I just wanted to update you all. I went to the doctor covering my doctor yesterday . I don't have asthma but I have a restrictive lung disease they think. I have to go for a high resolution cat scan tomorrow of my lungs to find out what is going on. I stll can't breathe riht but I got an inhaler to use every 6 hours as needed. It helps for about an hour then it is back to wheezing. I'm kind of freaking out about what this is so my diet is on hold for now.I either dont feel like eating or eat crap food.

Hope you are all well
Nikki

Oh Nikki, I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you'll soon get well.

Judy - You have some interesting trips coming up. I've heard that New Orleans is making a bit of a comeback after the disaster. It's funny, I bought some Lox today too and I haven't bought it for about a year! I like it on some pumpernickel bread with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Marie - I'm glad to hear your pups are doing better and that your toe is healing. I'm amazed you can still do so much walking after your toe surgery. You are an Iron Woman!

Carol - I'm going to be making mostly lavender soaps and maybe some cucumber soaps for this year's bazaar fund raiser as they seem to be the most popular ones. The new packaging I came up with was very well received last year. I made a nice label on my computer with some graphics I found on the web. I printed them and cut them out and wrapped the soap (like a band). I used to wrap them in plastic wrap and then stick a label on but this way you can smell them better and they look more professional.

Emma - Thanks for the early birthday wishes . It sounds like you are back on track eating-wise and that tae bo is quite a workout. I've seen the guy on the TV ads and it looks like a good cardio workout. I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to exercise - I work out at Curves 3x a week and do about 20 min. a day on the treadmill and 1/2 hour of yoga most days.

Janelle - I hope you had a good day.

Penny soaps sound great thanks for the idea the lavendar is always a favorite I think. Currently I am using an almond bar that I purchased at a gift shop. I'm looking forward to making some new labels as well and your idea is great less work and looks nice. Thanks keep up the good work on your healthy eating it will pay off.
Marie poor puppies so naughty and in the end cost you a bundle. I tell yah the treats can cause issues SIL gave Bear some natural made treats with molasses in them well poor Bear couln't help having to go and made a mess Dad was upset rtc. No more of those in this house and SIL was told so. Gotta laugh what else can yah do? Hope their all feeling better soon.
Nikki wow you poor thing I wish you were near and I could drop you off some soup. I am sure glad you went to the doctors that is scary better do everything they tell yah relax and hope your mending quickly keep us informed. Make sure you drink alot don't worry about cals now.
Judy sounds like your really busy but making progress thats a plus. The scale was the same today but thats okay no miracles needed just progress slow is okay and I feel more inn control. Less emotional stress though I hAVe a few pressing things at work their work related and not petty things thats so much better.
Marie your right and I feel it was a good choice for me. Vac. day on fri. going to clean out and have a garage sale with my girls this weekend. Hope we do good.
Cals were 1500 for yesterday. I am now toasting a flaxseed bread for breakfast had it this a.m. with poached eggs oh so good. I am journaling daily and I feel its helping me, wt, exercise and water intake is on my chart.

Carol ~ I can relate to that. Its really hard to find a job where you are satisfied that you are actually doing something thats worth it. I was having same issues until they changed my boss. The new one really appreciates what I'm doing and is always trying to help me out. A simple thank you is sometimes all it takes to make me happy

Marie ~ Thanks for the info on the doggies. I never knew that they ate grass to make themselves throw up. Hope your toe gets better.

Judy ~ Sound like my desk, at one point it was so messy that my cube-mate cleaned it up for me while I was away in a meeting . I love feta cheese in my salads too, I also like ff parmesan in there sometimes.

Nikki ~ you're in our thoughts. I hope you feel better soon, get plenty of rest and let us know what the test results are please.

Penny ~ I actually didn't get the chance to do the tae bo workout yesterday. I worked late and by the time I got home I was really tired. I'm hoping to do it today.

Penny & Carol ~ the soap making sounds interesting! I love scents like magnolia and raspberries. never made soap before though!.

Food was okay yesterday, didn't get the chance to exercise, had to work late so got home and went straight to bed, was really tired. I'm hoping to get a whole hour in today, I've invited a friend over for the workout so will see how it goes

Morning everyone, today starts the day of a long report fixing stuff with the Dept of Ed. I knew it was coming for about 6 weeks and today it starts. Not a good thing.

I walked with the doggies this morning. We're up to 4 meals straight that they're eating and not vomiting. We're keeping them confined inside except when we're outside in the fenced area with them. By this weekend I'll start giving them a bit more freedome. I also gave them a chicken jerky treat yesterday. They still love 'em, the doofy doggies.

Yesterday's stats - I haven't figured it out but I'm thinking not so great. I'm getting sucked into the self talk of that having something isn't a big deal. I really wish I could catch that solid determination I had for a year. I'll keep looking through my hiding spots for my will power.

Nikki, you're in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you heal soon and I'm relieved you went to the dr.

Carol, I'd rather work than do a garage sale. The one time I did it was miserable and all for 66 bucks. Never again, I donate to goodwill. Much easier and I like tax deductions.

Emma, I hope you get your exercise in today. I agree with the positive thanks is a great motivator. too bad most bosses don't know that. Mine does and I told her she's the best boss I've ever had.

Judy, want to clean my desk??? Sounds like you're an ideal candidate for the job as you have experience. Lots of trips for you again. I really don't know how you do it. I'm such a home body.

Penny, the soaps sound wonderful. My favorite scents are lilac and orange blossom is my very favorite. If you make any orange blossom, let me know and I'll buy a case of them. Of course I'd not need the pretty labels.

Ah, time to work. Icky.
Marie

Ugh, I'm out of sorts today. The management of my office building was testing the fire alarms for hours, and the blaring and ringing would start and stop until after lunchtime. I was this close to telling everyone to go home if they wanted. I still have a headache, and headaches make me cranky, and being cranky makes me want to eat...but so far so good. I'm on program today and did 40 minutes of weight training this morning. Oh, and I'm sticking with my diet log. I forgot and left "Coach" at home yesterday, but I dutifully wrote everything down on a piece of paper and formally recorded it last night.

Nikki, I am so relieved that you have seen a doctor and are taking steps to deal with the lung problem! You must be miserable. I hope you find a nice balance of comfort food that won't make you to mad at yourself when this is all over.

Emma, I used to love Tae-Bo! Somehow Billy Blanks could get me moving. I have arthritic knees, so there was only one video I could really do, and I can't find it anymore. I do Turbo Jam videos a lot, but our friend Marie hated 'em.

Carol, we are in the same boat with our scales. But I feel in control, too, even with this headache that makes me crave ice cream or something rich and heavy. It's probably also PMS...anyway, you're right, we don't need miracles, just progress. And I know what to do to make progress. There's nothing to it but to do it. Good luck with the garage sale.

Penny, NOLA is making "a bit" of progress, but only a bit. Only about a third of the population is back, and whole communities look much as they did in the months after the storm, just covered over now with weeds. They will be marking the second anniversary of Katrina in Mississippi and Louisiana in a few weeks. It's heartbreaking, but fantastic work is going on down there, thanks to churches, nonprofits and volunteers.

Marie, here ya go: . Although maybe there's something else going on in your head these days, not leaving much space for the intense focus you seem to give to everything you do. but if you don't have the patience for introspection, here's something else: .

Janelle, I hope you're doing well today.

Emma yes jobs can be trying at times thats for sure sometimes I need to remind myself I get paid in the end. The sometimes helps move me along.
Making soaps is fun and great gifts for others you feel the need to give a little something to. Fall is right around the corner and my friend and I said we would start early this year so we are gathering thoughts and ideas now. Thanks again Penny I will try the creative label idea and like it better than wrapping each soap.
My eating wasn't wonderful though it tasted really good ! I did great for breakfast and not bad for dinner but had lunch at a chinese buffet. I didn't go back for seconds stopped myself from that but I am sure the cals yesterday were off the chart for me. So I didn't even try to add them up it would of been a guessing game. Its not often we go out for lunch at work. But my friend and I were headed to the college to see some of our clients. They have a program where they stay overnight in the dorms, act like college students attending different classes and hang out, have a prom and graduate on sunday with their parents watching. So they were all having a great time and didn't know I was coming so it was fun. They all love it and didn't want to return to their group homes funny!!! What a little independence gives them all. Nice program I had 3 out of the 50 there this week. I am trying to jump back on board with my food today started off with oatmeal and flaxseed whole wheat toast. Bear went out at 4 and never came in til 6 I was ready to go out in the woods to look for him and was scared what I might find. I need to get him a little shock collar. Sounds rough but will teach him to stay within his boundaries and not get eaten by a coyotte. The girls are helping and have stuff in the sale it will help with clothes for school etc. We have furniture to sell to so it shouldn't be to bad. I live on a busy country road which heads to the beach so its traveled heavy on the weekend. We'll see how it goes. I have today off and will dig out some more things to put out if nothing else we will of cleaned out and then give to charity and write it off.
Judy coach is good for you and seems to be helping I too need to be aware of my intakes yesterdays lunch was a off day but lately the journaling helps. I had a small bowl of vanilla ice cream last night and added to it some fresh frozen berries no sugar on them. I need to get some yogurt in the house as its better for me but at least my size was small. I gave everyone else choc. syrup. They can have the cals not me. So lets go girls Marie I know you have it in you search and find it. Maybe you need a gift for yourself to work on something you want like in the past and you pay yourself didn't that work well for you? Or are you still doing it? I need to do my back exercises and with that said am going to start scheduling myself at the gym on certain afternoons after work. Sometimes just fitting it in my schedule makes it happen for me. This week I have gotten in about 20min of walking down to the main office and back. So that felt good with the stairs etc.... Every little bit helps in the end.
Janelle and Nikki hope your both doing well.
Off to get somethings done before my day is gone. I will watch my intake closely today to stay with in my cals.

Hi Everybody!

Thanks so much for the welcomes!

Sorry I haven't checked back on here till now but I forgot to check the instant notification on my post and have been busy and kind of forgot I needed to check back.

I hope everyone is doing good today ... so far my day is going pretty good.

I've got good news and some not so good news [but will definiately focus on the good! ]

Yesterday a.m. I woke up and weighed myself as I do every day and I weighed 204.4 which is the lowest I've been since, well ... since the year 2000!

This a.m. I weighed myself and was up a bit to 206.2 which still is less than I've been since 2000 but was disappointed to see the scales go up instead of staying the same or going the other way. *lol*


Last night I baked for a friend of mine [okay, so I really like him but for now, we're just friends] but ...

Wouldn't ya know - even though I was NOT hungry, didn't I sit there and eat 3 cookies and then one more after he left? Aaaaagh! *lol*

The only other thing I had eaten all day was a small salad with a veggie burger [Boca chicken] cut up in it so I'm hoping with that and the cookies that I didn't go over to where I gain again.

Well, gotta go - I'm 12:30 and I need to get moving and get something done around here.

Talk to ya later!

Love,

Jennelle