Hey Jolly good to hear that you finally stumbled across something that is helping you with the eating - was really scared for you when you were thinking about supplements. *** Shudder *** Boy I give you alot ALOT of credit for considering one of those speed dating things. That would make me just curl up in my shoes! Give me a bunch of girls and I could just , but I'm also quite shy in social situations with strangers. Of course I have not tried to pick up a guy since 1972 so I'm sure all my pointers are rusty and out of date But good luck to you.

Basement renovations are going well. The basement is all drywalled now and they have taped it and put the plaster on it. We shut all the registers upstairs off and turned the heat up to 75 to push more heat down there to get it to dry so they can sand it. Also have fans going on down there and the windows open up here. The floor is hot from all the heat and my head is cold from the window blowing on me. If I can get through this without catching something devistating, I'll be amazed. But they should be done by Thanksgiving when the doors come in so I can spend my holiday weekend painting and installing a ceiling if I'm not doing blasted homework.

We are still doing well with the healthier eating. My husband has not had a Coke in 8 days. I can't say the same for me but I try to limit it to a half can a day. I have been working from home quite steadily and it looks like they will let me continue to do that. It's nice not having to commute but I'm not moving around as much as I should and have gained about 4 pounds in the last 6 weeks. It's starting to come down again because we have refocused our eating, but this is always the hardest time of year for me. Once it gets cold I don't want that much water and I get hungry like a bear.

Raven hope things are going well with you getting back on track. Your advice long ago of baby steps and a little bit at a time has always helped me when I fall off the wagon.

I'd better go back and finish up my homework. Not that Mom is going to call me up and yell at me but the husband might since I kicked him off his computer and made him go to bed so I could use his system tonight.

Have a good day all - stay warm, the snows are lurking around us. Hello to all I didn't get to individually post to!

Hey all. Thanks, Happy. I still have a long way to go with my eating, but it is nice to see some light at the end of the tunnel. At least occasionally. I forgot to grab my lunch yesterday, so stopped at Subway. I got the foot long I normally get, and some baked chips. I only ended up eating half the sub, then realized I was full. So I stuck the other half away for lunch today. Then, I got home, and realized I was still full from lunch, so waited for supper until before I came in to do the third shift. Even better, Iam not wanting to eat now on third shift. Hmmmm. of course, I did have more chocolate than I should, but not as much as I have. and, with my cold, I didn't make it to the gym yesterday, and I might not make it today. But I will be back on track for Friday. Small progress.

I did hear about the job I interviewed for. Due to budget issues with a couple of counties, they decided to combine that position with another county. since that county already has a director, she will just do both. Ah well. At least I can't get too down - it wasn't anything personal.

Happy, I hope classes are going well. I do have to yell at you for even mentioning the "S" word though. The weather man mentioned possible flurries up here too. I am not amused. Good luck with your basement and classes. And as for moving around, since you aren't commuting, can't you take some of that time for a nice long walk ????? Hmmmm . . . .

... a little.

My daughter just threw together this site yesterday. We're going to be moving it to our raven.org address, but I thought it was darn cute for a nearly first attempt. This is what we are thinking about trying out... not sure what the market will be like, though. I suppose we can give it a shot and see what happens!

http://www.geocities.com/equinesitters/index.html

I'll write more in a bit... just wanted to shoot that on in here and see what ya'll thought!

It's bad enough that the temperature outside is something like 35 degrees, but does it have to be freezing INSIDE, too!? I wore my fleece overshirt and my thick socks, but my hands are still really cold. Hard to type when you can't feel your fingers. The heater was off for some reason, but my guy in the warehouse reset it, and now we're up to a whole 62 degrees in here. Heat wave.

Well, I didn't do the massive shopping I need to do. But I did stop and get some essentials, and today I have some reasonably healthy food to eat at work. The kids were up too late and making noise at 1 in the morning, so that woke me up. I have a hard time getting back to sleep when I wake up like that, but I finally managed, only to be woken up by the rotten little barking machine at about 2:30. *sigh* I'm tired, thank God it's Friday. I was supposed to work on Rosa's website last night when I got home, but I was so worn out all I could do was eat and sit in front of the TV. I even started to fall asleep after about 15 minutes of sitting there. Too many nights of interrupted sleep. I'm going to move the kennel upstairs now that my dane isn't in heat anymore, and she can come back upstairs too. It will be easier to discipline her for barking that way, plus it will start getting her used to being in the house on a constant basis. She goes potty outside now on a pretty regular basis, but I sure wouldn't call her housebroken. She is learning, it's just very very slow. I'm amazed at how different it is working with a young adult dog as opposed to a puppy. I mean I've done it before a long time ago, I'd just forgotten how much longer it takes to teach them basic dog house manners.

Right... ok .. so what does any of that have to do with my weight. Other than the fact that I'm usually too tired and rushed to give a rats behind? I keep saying I need to slow down a bit, but I keep adding in more stuff I need to do. Like the horse sitting, but I need the money so badly that stuff like that is kind of a priority. What comes first, time to work out, or money to pay the bills which are getting farther and farther behind because the a@@hole who put me in this position welched on his promise of a raise after three months and I didn't get it in writing. Now they're promising me it will happen in January. *blink* And what do I do if they screw me again? With the economy the way it is, and my job history being as transient as it is (no fault of mine, temp jobs and layoffs, but it looks yucky to a prospective employer) I'm looking at a rough road trying to find another job. Not to mention my direct supervisor is a heck of a guy, and I get to work in jeans, and I get a lot of respect from the folks here at the shop. But appreciation and respect don't pay the bills.... and again, what's the priority? *sigh* Boy I'm a real downer today, aren't I. I'm sorry ladies... You know it's really hard to focus on eating right and exercising when all you can think about is how you're going to come up with the money for all the expenses. Blah. And Christmas is coming. Ho ho ho. I need a happy shot bad.

Hopefully I'll be back later with good things to say!!! I hope everyone else is in a much better mood going into the weekend than I am!

Raven, I know how you feel, I am in that same place myself at the moment. Overwhelmed, not satisfied how some things are going, feeling guilty, etc. etc. And when I get this way I will proscrastinate, avoid the things that most need doing and just compound the aggrivation.

The "cure" is a good long sit down with myself. I list the things that need doing and review each one of them realizing that I can't be all things to all people and some things just aren't worth doing when you really think about it. I prioritize things. For instance, if I don't pull my medical receipts together and submit a claim form for my Health Care Reimbursement account, I'll lose that money I contributed - that's a high priority. When they came to work on the basement, we didn't expect them to do what they did. Consequently everything got shoved into a massive pile in the middle of the floor and into the other 2 rooms that weren't being worked on. Things need to be gone through and saved or trashed. Although it's annoying at the moment, that can probably wait for a few weeks - or at least until I need to get at the Christmas stuff to decorate

And some battles are just not worth fighting or expending energy on. One of my classes this semester involves working on a group project which is 1/3 of our grade. I am stuck with a bunch of kids who insist on doing their own thing on their own time. They have grown up with the mentality that whatever happens, it is "not their fault", the idea of personal responsibility and accountability is a totally foreign concept to them. Thus far I have encouraged, planned, held their hands and beat my head against the wall to get them to come together and all I get is a headache. I have an A grade point average along with carrying an A in this course for the 2/3 of the assignments and course work that we have to turn in ourselves. The group project is in total disarray and we'll be lucky if we pull a C. I have been spending way too much time on this course, neglecting my other classes and either I do all the work myself which is not feasible or give it up, accept blowing my grade point average and turn my attention to other things I have more control over. I did write to the instructior about the situation and got a less than sympathetic "that's the way things sometimes go in a group project, just do the best you can" kind of answer. So, I'm changing my focus.

You may need to do the same thing with yourself Raven. As you said, there's already more on your plate than you can handle and you keep adding even more. Decide what's most worth doing, put other things off until later (and then do them later) and decide what's really not worth doing in the long run - even if you think it would be nice to get done.

I hear you on the money thing too, business is down at my place, raises are frozen for this year (and last year's raise wasn't all that great). But there are other perks that matter more than the money and like you said, the economy is still too shakey to make a rash decision.

This too shall pass

Hello Ladies,

Just had to pop in a get caught up with everyone. Still busy as heck, and more of my time is eaten away with the onslaught of snow we've been getting. It's been on the ground for about a week, and the roads are a mess. We'll be lucky to get up to 15 degrees today. Remember those lovely days, Raven??? So, consequently, it adds drive time on in the morning and at night.

Good news is that I finished making my bead ornaments for Christmas and, I know some of you will want to smack me for this, my Christmas shopping is all done, minus a little stocking present for my hubby. I have two boxes to ship, but everything is wrapped and tagged. Okay, so I'm saying neener-neener!!! (Sorry, but the way things have been going I'm lucky to have all that done.)

I am going to drop off the rolls of film at the store this weekend and will hopefully be posting pics of Buster and Peanut. They had their check up and at 4 1/2 months they are now 9.1 pounds and 6.6, respectively. So cute, but still not totally potty trained. They are working on it, so I have to give them credit for that.

My son is doing well with the training also. I am going tonight to buy our family Christmas gift from Santa. I don't usually do it, but hubby and me have really been wanting the Nintendo Gamecube and now that it's dropped $50 we can afford it. (Plus he's getting paid a pretty stout per diem while he is gone this week and next, so I think we can really afford it.)

I am still eating well and think I have lost more, but not really trying hard. I broke down last night and bought some chocolate covered macadamia nuts at the BX. My son ate most of the bag, but I did get about 10 nuts out. Boy were they good!!!

Jolly, I am sorry you did not get the job, but glad it wasn't for lack of a good interview. I understand that downsizing thing.

Raven, girl, just hang on. I checked out your website and thought it was an excellent first attempt! I wish you all the best and am sending many good vibes and thoughts to your area so you guys will get many clients!

Happy, could you send the basement guys my way?? Actually, my parents are coming up for Christmas so my dad will be able to help out hubby with finishing it off! I am mucho excited.

Okay ladies, I gotta scoot, but wanted to let you all know I was thinking about you and wishing you all well!

Chach

Hey all. It is good to hear from everyone, even if we are in a funk. It must just be that time of year. Chachee, I am glad things are going well, and can't wait to see the puppy pictures. Happy, I know I ask this all the time, but what are you going to school for? I swear, sometimes I have the attention span of a Chihuahua. Raven, one day at a time. Figure out what has to be done, and what can be let go for now. You have to take care of you.

I have been doing pretty good with my eating and working out. I did this little menu/ daily planner thing and it seems to be helping. I did miss two days at the gym due to being sick, and am eating a bit more due to being sick, but it has started to get under control. I am really trying to stick with the changes. I did work out this morning. half as long as I planned on, but at least I went. With my money the way it is (all due to my impulse spending, I know) I am not looking forward to the holidays at all. It is going to be very hard to buy for my friends and family on a budget - I love to shop for the holidays. I am leaving work soon to put a tree on layaway, and I may get some rubbermaid wannabe tubs. I have been watching too much Clean House, and want to organize my spare bedroom. I have wanted to for awhile, so may just do it this weekend. We shall see.

Anyway. I had better go get some work done. Have a wonderful weekend all.

Hi everyone, took a little driving around but I found our new home at last in this new neck of the woods. Force of habit will have me going to the Buddy forum for a while yet, I'm sure.

Well I really need to get back on track again. I've been mostly working from home and last week I gave up my spot in the office which means yay - full time working from home. Bad thing is that I don't do nearly as much moving around as I should be doing. Gained about 4 pounds over the last month or so and I can really feel it in the pants. Much to do I'm sure with more salts in the winter type foods I'm eating and I have a harder time with water once it gets cold. I still drink it because it gets drier with the heat on, but I don't drink as much as I should or most of it is in the evenings which makes for a disruptive night's sleep. HATE getting out of a warm bed to make a cold potty run!

Jolly, I know it's a pain to clean up stuff but the bins sound like a great idea. Once things get organized you will want to keep it that way. I chucked alot of stuff this summer and it was hard, but I'm happier with the results. As for school, I am a web developer by trade. I'm taking technical classes to build new skills and also to work on some new programming projects. It's not as much fun as maybe cooking or astonomy, but jobs are hard to come by and you have to stay current. I guess I'll always be in school in one way or another, it's just like that in the field I'm in tho I do try to take the summer's off.

And speaking of web, Raven your daughter did a great job on your new website. Hope the business takes off for you, in small enough increments that you can handle it without stressing out.

Ok Chachee, I'll trade you the basement guys (tho they are starting to slack off and miss appointments now that we are pretty near to finishing). You can do my Christmas shopping since you are so well organized. I used to love Christmas time, I still do but there's alot of work in it that somewhat takes the fun out. Enjoy your cold and snow, keep it up there tho, will you? You can send some down around Dec 23 and that will be fine with me.

Well the electric blanket should be warmed up by now so it's off to bed for me. Hello's to Hippychic and Lucky, stop by and say hello soon. Have a great Sunday.

Whew, made it back in one piece. I sure was lost without this place! I even got to bed early 2 nights in a row

Reminder that this week's focus is (pick one or both):

1) Give up a favorite food (pizza, chocolate, soda, etc) for a week

OR

2) no fast food for the week

I'm chosing to ignore the chocolates on the counter that keep softly whispering to me. Come... come... just one...

BTW, Kathy - thanks for the update you sent me!

Wow! I thought I'd lost this thread forever!!! I lost my computer to the grubby paws of my husband the last 2 days and suddenly there was nowhere to update! Thanks Happy for helping me find my way back!
My focus was totally blown this week on giving something up or skipping fast food (ended up eating out 3 times already!!!), but as of this moment, I'm giving up both fast food and alcohol. I only drink diet pop, but the empty calories from a glass of wine or a beer at night is defeating the purpose of not drinking regular pop! I made a menu plan for the next 2 weeks and did my grocery shopping, so I don't have an excuse for eating out and I gave the last of my wine to a friend of mine, so I"m not tempted. I'm also going to add a "adding it in" focus of drinking at least 2 bottles of water a day. I thought about substituting water for the wine, but I'd be up all night peeing if I did!!
I hope everyone is on their way back and is staying warm (I think if I went outside I'd be able to lose at least 20 lbs shivering!!)!!!

Hey Erin, glad you made it back. We're a little out of synch here. I just jumped on our last thread forgetting Jolly started one for 2004. Chachee started one but did it back in the Buddy group section that we used to be in before we got moved. So I guess we will just wait to see what Jolly wants to do.

Good going E about planning and giving away the wine. Some days you slip, can't beat yourself, just make plans to get back again and DO it, don't just talk about it or think it.

I've done well with the water, am trying to focus on portion control. I wasn't enthusiastic about it but I did do the Walk Away the Pounds tape yesterday with some light weights and did a Pilates tape tonight. Some times I'm really enthusiastic and sometimes I'm just blahh for no reason at all. The brain is a twisted, evil thing.

Hope everyone else finds their way back.

OMG I'm so happy to be back!!! Of all the days / weeks for this to happen! *sigh* Not the 3FC gals fault, I know that... I'm just so happy to see it back up. Was so weird, went down Monday, but we had journals. Then they restored the message boards yesterday, then this morning EVERYTHING was gone. I felt so isolated!! I'd laugh... but it's true.

I was doing really well till this morning when I found out that I STILL had not gotten a raise. Then, even though I'd tried to prepare myself, I just started that "who gives a damn" slide. It's not the worst behavior I've shown... I had a Wendy's spicy chicken with fries, sweet tea, and a small frosty. I TRIED to show some restraint, I didn't get the supersized frosty in a drum, you know? So tonight I go grocery shopping, and I'll pick up healthy foods so I have better things to bring to work with me. That was part of my problem, I'd run out of money completely, and hadn't picked up the good food I usually bring with me to work. If I'd had that, I probably wouldn't have had the motivation to even go get fast food.

Ok, but 3FC is back now... my life liine. *breathe*

I talked to Jolly e-mail, and she was going to restart the 2004 thread. I think by the time she tried, 3FC was down again. I'll shoot her another e-mail and let her know it's up.. again .. maybe. For a few minutes..

I'm so glad to see you guys!! *hugs!*

Thank you all for caring. I swear..the first thing i though of was 3fc..to cry to...all of you make me feel so much better. Your wisdowm..your honestly your laughs our crys..i think that this place has saved me

Raven..thank you..i love my new spine..lol..i like your new plan..it seems so focused..thank you for sharing it wiht us. My mail is down..or rahter in a blakc hole some where..so I am very sorry i never responded to it..msn tells me that in a few thigns will be better. How were your husband's kids..the ones who's parent dies..i though of them today..i hope they are ok

Jolly thank you for the e-mails..i appreciated them..i want you to know that hthey meant a lot to me...your caring means a lot to me. Glad to know your dad was better..though being a whole lot of fun.too..lol

Happy..how was your christmas??How was everyone christmas??Excellent on the walking away the pounds..I need to walk..it works..it is eay..and you can do it anytime..come on Tracy

Chahcee..what kinda or ornamentsdid you make..always wanted to try those

ema..i missed meeting you. How are you??I am kinda in and out so please forgive me for not saying howdy sooner

sigh..waiting for msn to fix my e-maillchat ya all soon

ps lucky??where are you..just wanted you to know how much your comments menat to me..i love ya girl!!

Hey guys, we've moved over to Rears in Gear for the New Year 2004 - After the Crash

See you over there...