Hi Everyone,

It is VERY hot here today. I did my volunteering today. Now I am just sitting with my leg up and icing my knee.

On to personals ….

Hi Tea,

You snuck in your post while I was composing/posting mine. Sorry I missed you yesterday. I was a daily weigher for the whole time I was losing. Now that I am on maintenance, I sometimes skip a day or two. It took me 4 years to lose 40 lbs. I lost the first 30 in one year & then stayed around that weight for the next 2.5 years. I just lost the last 10 in the last couple of months. One of the things I learned from graphing my daily weights is that the daily up and down fluctuations don’t matter. It is the trend line that tells the story. I know that I read an article one time (can’t remember where) about research that found daily vs. weekly weighing was irrelevant concerning weight loss.

Hi Donna,

The salad is delicious. Try it & let me know how you like it. I always order the dressing on the side. They give you a choice of bread or chips – I always get a whole grain baguette. Enjoy!

Hi Rie,

CONGRATULATIONS on the 80 minutes of exercise! Don’t forget to log it in. Any chance your son would share the recipe for the pancakes?

Hi Marie,

I remember reading an article about men and sickness. The author’s premise was that men feel responsible to “fix” things. When men or their loved ones are ill and they cannot “fix” it, they get frustrated and angry – making them miserable to be around. I think it might be true.

Hi Mary,

I live in Eastern PA – near Philadelphia. My DD and SIL and I love to travel outside of the country. We’ve been to Ireland, England, France, Italy, Greece, Mexico, and Canada outside of the USA. Inside the states, I’ve been to just about every state (except Alaska and Hawaii). I used to travel A LOT for my job.
Hi Karen,

I had one of those idiot husbands also. When I finally was able to leave, I actually rented an apartment while I was still living at home. The next time he blew up at me, I had someplace to go and I went! My DD doesn’t even talk to him.

Hi Koala,

What book are you reading? My bookclub’s July book is one by Lisa Scottoline – I am NOT enjoying it.

Hi Zoe,

ROTFLOL! I never thought of comparing my weight-loss endeavors to my first marriage miseries! Makes dieting seem downright pleasant! You will look beautiful just as you are! Enjoy!

Hi Bobbi,

HAPPY for the 4 days without a headache – SORRY about the other days.

None of my docs want me to run. I do it anyway. All of the docs seem to be happy about the walking. Once this half-marathon is over, I will stop the running.

Hi Nancy,

When I was married to my first husband and for the year after I left him (before I met my second husband), I was depressed. I remember thinking/saying “I can’t.” When someone would ask me “What can’t you do?” I would just repeat “I can’t.” I also worked all through it. For a while, I saw a psychologist who told me I had acute situational depression. I never took anything during this time, but left my husband, moved away, and got a new job. Despite a lot of alcohol and some bizarre behavior, I came out of it.

For the next 25 years, I was content. Then my 2nd husband had a stroke. I quit my job to take care of him, spent 2 years doing my best to care for him until he died. From the time he had the stroke until his death, I was once again very depressed. This time, I took anti-depressants. Once he died and I didn’t need to be strong, I stopped the anti-depressants. I wanted to experience my feelings and work through them. June 29th of this year was the 5th anniversary of my DH’s death. In the 5 years since he died, I gradually came out of the depression.

All of this is to say that I understand how you are feeling and that there are various ways to get through it. Please know that you do NOT need to feel guilty about sharing your feelings with us. We have all been through difficult times and we often turn to each other when we need friendly shoulders to lean on.

Good luck with the St. John’s Wort. I hope it works for you.

Hi everyone..well they are gone and its so peaceful here now.i had fun with my nieces but felt incompetent to deal with their many issues and all the commotion.i find as im older i dont have the patience i used to. i want my grkids and any other kids to have a fun and memory making experience at my house. my day care kids come and visit me often and they are grown with their own famlys now. besides im a big kid at heart and the things they enjoy i do too when any one comes to my home i want them to feel comfortable and have that warm "fuzzy" feeling and above all laugh and have fun.so come visit good food and laughter. the doors always open. Nancy i am sry you are feeling so "blue" i understand. i take depression meds. after my spinal cord injury and in the hosp so long,i had a hard time processing what had happened to me.i cried all the time.after alot of hard work with rehab folks and my willpower i got some of my life back,the meds helped and cont to do so. if a miss a few doses i find my self crying again. i vowed after all that happened i would enjoy every day,moment, accomplishment,person,event etc from small like watching the birds and my bird feeder to hugging little kids,its all a blessing becuz i got a second chance. life is so precious and when u almost loose it u get a new perspective about it. i dont think id have been able to feel like this without the meds. so i hope the St johns wort or perscription meds help u back to your happy self. i think we all have times like that and so here's a big (((hug)) to start you off i hope i dont sound to preachy i wanted to share my experience so you wouldnt feel alone. since the puppies are sleeping and so is grandpa i think i'll join them this old gramma's pooped. ttfn rosey

Hi GGs,

I had a good weekend, and even better day today. Woke up early so I headed out for a walk to a nearby park and did about 2.5 miles. Had breakfast with a good friend, then picked wild blueberries with my DH. We went to a spot my father showed me many years ago off the beaten path and there they were. They make great blueberry pancakes and muffins. I will indulge but moderately! Then, swam 22 laps at the lake and met my friend and her golden retriever for a swim in Bass River, and did my yoga stretches. Now it’s thundering, but we need the rain. Tomorrow back to work.

Tea – What in the world is “lambsfoot?” Sounds interesting. And don’t sweat the weigh-ins. Enjoy your summer while it’s here, I say!

Marie – glad the pool party was a hit – but having to jump in after one of the kids?! Sounds scary.

Karen31 – Wow your life with the second DH does sound like a horrible experience. Good for you for being strong and having enough guts to get out of there.

Rie, I don’t have any cukes yet…just green beans, but they are delish! Good job with your bathroom caulking too. Good luck with your MD appointments tomorrow.

Donna – sorry about your computer troubles. I like your guessing game with pics too. Very creative.

Koala, I just finished reading a great book, about a womens’ bookclub called “Angry Housewives eating Bonbons”. It traced the lives of 5 women in the club through the 70s, 80,s 90,s and today. Actually I was reading the book for a book club I am in here. Love to read! I got tired of the Wii scolding me when I went missing so I haven’t been using it much these days.

Bobbi – Glad your headaches are tapering off with your new chiropractor/massage. Wow it is hot our there. I heard it’s coming this way. Your recipe looks divine.

Z – the bride’s family sounds like a soap opera plot. All those family secrets. Could be very interesting. Horray for your “Bookcamp” mode. Keep up the walking!

Mary – very smart of you to use the medifast plan by educating yourself about it. Can’t wait to hear how it goes. Glad the Dr visit was better than expected. And I agree – avoid surgery at all costs.

Nancy – I can relate about your experiences with depression. I’ve had two major bouts, one in 1989 and then again after my mother’s death in 1997. The one in ’89 came after my DH suddenly lost a job as assistant headmaster at a private school, and we had to move out of the campus housing and find new jobs and new places to live in just a month or so. Our kids were very young and the whole experience was just awful. The depression came after the dust was settled, we found an apartment in Syracuse, I was back at work full-time and it was the dead of winter to boot. I ended up leaving the job after 2 months. I never used the St Johns Wort, but did seek medical help. Went through the first one with the help of a great psychiatric resident in Syracuse, NY. He initially had me on medication, but had bad side effects, so I went through it with weekly visits to him. By the end, (about 6 months) I looked forward to going to see him and would bring a thermos of tea and we’d discuss everything from religion to Zen meditation. For the second one, my mom had passed away from cancer that April, and I suddenly became anxious and depressed that summer. This time I was put on paxil, and that did the trick in about 4 weeks. Sometimes medication does help. I hope that you find you way through what ever it is that is troubling you. And keep checking in. We care!

Rosey – Glad you’re enjoying some quiet time now. Sounds like the kids were a blessing and a challenge all at once. Love you pictures

So, stay cool everyone.

Lyn

Good evening GG’s,

One day down ~ 3 to go. I quick got out of there tonight before something happened and I had to stay over again. Got home here and have had a relaxing evening catching up with you all.

Lyn ~ the blueberries sound yummy ~ enjoy. Wow ~ you had a lot of exercising today ~ awesome.

Rosey ~ glad you are having some peaceful time now. Glad you got a “second chance” to enjoy life. Glad you are here with us.

Lynn ~ hope your knee feels better after the ice. Hope your daughter and sil stay nearby and not move away.

Bobbi ~ wow ~ you don’t usually think of Minnesota as being so hot. Glad you have had a better week headache wise and that your spine is starting to get back to where it should be.

Mary ~ glad your new eating plan is working so well for you ~ and that the scale is moving in the right direction.

Marie ~ glad your pool party turned out better than expected. Sorry you had to jump in like that ~ but glad you were there to help. Glad you got your dear Sasha found.

Donna ~ sorry for your computer problems and the loss of some of your enjoyable games and such. Enjoying your guess where the picture is game.

Rie ~ any news about Sean? Congrats on fitting better in the tub

Zoe ~ cheering you on at the boot camp ~ you’ll do great and be looking awesome.

Koala-Lou ~ glad the Wii was nice to you this time How are your kitties? I think it is so neat that they will go for a walk on a leash.

Mustang Karen ~ glad you were able to get away from that awful husband. And glad for the good life you have now.

Hope you all have a nice evening and a good rest.

Take care

Nancy ~ I am so sorry that you are feeling so badly. I hope it helps to know you are not alone ~ several of the GG’s have chimed in to share that they understand. Please don't apologize for not getting to the personals. I'm glad you could feel comfortable to come here and share with us.

When I was younger one of my coworkers was depressed and I didn’t understand why she just couldn’t feel better. My turn would come.

My first time was when we moved to Kansas City Missouri. We went from a small rural area to a big city and the kids did not adjust smoothly. We had troubles I never thought I’d have to deal with ~ running away, shop lifting, drugs ~ bad ones, teen pregnancy. Our family was in such turmoil. I just wanted to sleep all the time and shut things out. Or cry. I was able to get some medication and eventually felt better.

The next time was when we moved to North Carolina. Left Jason behind and Sara and Corbin. Corbin was just 1 ˝ years and had lived with me and because Sara was only 16, I had done a lot of the care giving. I missed them so badly. Jason ended up coming to NC and wanted to live with us, but Steve wouldn’t let him. He ended up going to Ohio and lived with my sister. I felt like I hated my husband. Again, I just wanted to sleep life away. I didn’t try for medication this time and somehow eventually ended up feeling better.

I still have some times now when I feel kind of hopeless and discouraged.

I hope that you can find something that will help so you can feel better again. Please keep coming here ~ we care about you and want you to be alright.

Good Morning Girls

I started writing yesterday, was almost done with a long post, when lighening blasted and knocked my computer out! It was ungodly hot yesterday, over 100. Not as hot as some of you are getting but way too hot for me. We did get a rain in the evening (while I was on computer) and it was much needed.

So many posts! I am always so glad to come here and talk to everyone, catch up on their news. You all feel like family, and I rejoyce with you and worry about you.

Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear that you are having problems with depression. It can be devistating. Please see a Dr. I hope the St. John's Wart helps you but remember that there are lots of medications out there. And most doctors will give you samples if you can't afford the medication.

Rie, I've been thinking about Shawn, praying that he is ok. But it's over and you would have heard if he wasn't. I so admire anyone that keeps the old traditions. Enjoy your time at the hairdresser.

Donna, Good luck with the new job. I think those kids are in for some fun and surprises!

Koahla, I used to have a membership with Sam's club. There is a Sam's Club and Costco near me. I don't find them that cost effective, when the member ships fee's are so expensive. I find I can buy most things cheaper at the grocery store with sales and coupons. We got a membership before for diapers and formula when the kids were babies. Those things are cheaper. That said, I do go there occasionally, with my DS and DIL. I buy a few things, like the canned chicken that Iuse to make my chicken salads. I'm sure if they are just coming there they will allow you to go in and check it out.

Gayle, I think we have all been touched with depression at times. I think when I first injured my back and was in so much pain I went through a period wehn I just gave up. Thankfully, I got over it. Sometimes you don't realize you are depressed. You just know things aren't right. I had a friend who was put on antidepressants and said for the first time in her life she realized how other people saw the world.

Lyn, Wow, girl! Did you eat your wheaties yesterday? All that exercise! Your garden in getting ready to come in and i'm jealous. I did have some cherry tomates from my garden yesterday with my pasta salad. So sweet! Those were the first, but lots on the vine and should start ripening by this weekend. Can't wait.

Lynn, I am going to look that author up. It's a new one for me. Thanks, always looking for new good mystery writers.

Karen, Unfortunateally, there are lots of abusive husbands out there. Good for you for getting out.

Rosie, I LOVe having the kids over and I enjoy them so much. That said, I am always glad to see them go for awhile too. They wear me out! They go and I nap. That's why young people have kids. They have the energy for the day to day. We get to step in and have the fun.

Bobbi, I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better. That had to be a very trying time. I don't know how you managed to do all the day to day things while you were so sick.

Marie, I'm glad you managed to get throught he party. I hope you had fun too. And how fun, jumping in the pool after the child! I can just see that! Like you said, old habits die hard. And I'm sorry that your dog got found quickly, and safe and sound.

TAke care my friends,

Freda

Hello GGs

All going well here - the weather bureau predicted snow today, but no such joy We had sleety rain in the morning, and now it's warmed up to a positively tropical +9C (48F). The days are getting longer, so summer will be here before I know it. It's good hearing all your horror stories of high temps and humidity - reminds me that summer is not my favourite time of year!

Bobbi - thanks for the tip to grow my own raspberries and other goodies - but I'm more a "gravel is good" type gardener Sadly, there is not the slightest tinge of green in my thumbs. I only have small courtyards in the front and back with a couple of extremely hardy plants that insist on growing despite my lack of care - oops! Although, once the frosts stop, I'm thinking I will plant some herbs in pots - I think I could manage that ... maybe ... Like you, I do most of my cooking from scratch - I seem to get allergic reactions to preservatives eg in pre-made sauces - and I love using fresh herbs. The pannini recipe with balsamic syrup sounds sensational! Good to hear that your headaches are improving.

Z - strict city, six weeks, eh? I think I will join you at book camp - I'm having to talk myself down from temptation every six minutes, it seems! Don't feel too envious of my wii age - today's is 59 grrrr, the wii and I are not friends. You have really good motivation in wanting to feel (and look) fabulous at your son's wedding. I would count it a major achievement that you gave your kids the skills to navigate a sensitive situation when they were growing up, and that they are still gracious in their behaviour with both parents is a testament to the values you fostered in them.

Rie - you must have really enjoyed relaxing in your suddenly larger tub - a great reward for all your hard work. And now a day of pampering - noice! Thanks for the info on Costco - I'm not sure if buying in bulk would work out that well for me. I think I might wait until it opens and then decide whether or not to join. I buy most of my meat, fruit and vegies at the growers' market, and try to limit visits to the supermarket for when I need cleaning products. Too many yummy treats shouting "pick me" and throwing themselves in the trolley - so I don't like going unless it's absolutely necessary

Mary - sorry to hear you have had to go to the urologist - good news that you don't need surgery. WTG on the new eating plan and the friendly scales. Thanks for the rundown on Costco - it sounds quite a different type of shopping than we are used to. I hope the water sample was the best water you've ever tasted, to make it worth your while passing up all the other goodies! The range of things sold sounds more like the huge hypermarkets that I've been to in Europe. It's good to hear they have good warranty and after sales service - that's often lacking.

Donna - that computer virus sounds like a doozy. I usually don't wish ill on anyone, but I hope karma gets the person who invented it. It just seems so pointless to inflict so much inconvenience on people you don't even know. Thanks for your views on Costco - that's a good idea to have a look around. LOL at not wanting to go through a painful tattooing - although it would go well with your Wendy's quote Personally, I've never understood the fascination with tattoos, but I reckon it's the single most telling feature as to whether someone is aged under or over 35.

Marie - the wii and I are not friends today grump grump I'm like you - wouldn't give you thank you for milk chocolate, but dark chocolate is a different matter entirely My biggest victory in the ongoing battle of the bulge, and it's taken me years, is to train myself to really savour a small amount of top quality dark chocolate, rather than have bulk of the cheaper stuff. Luckily I can't really afford calories or $$ to go overboard. There is a very good Swiss baker/chocolatier at my local shopping centre - a bit too close for comfort!

NCNancy - so sorry to hear that you are going through this bad time. As many have said, this group is a safe place to pour your heart out - or just hang out - we will listen and care. It seems that the St John's Wort is starting to help, but perhaps professional help might be the go. I've heard that exercise can help stave off some of the effects of depression - is that something you might be able to try?

Lynn - how exciting to get a personal response from the author! I'm an avid reader and always on the lookout for new authors and titles, and I would like to support such a lovely person by reading her books if I can track them down. I can't recommend my last book club book - it was turgid - "White Castle" by a Turkish author, Orhan Pamuk. I usually like Lisa Scottoline, but I haven't read any of hers for a few years now. I'm about to start the latest Alexander McCall Smith - I really enjoy his "44 Scotland St" series.

Rosey - you must be relieved to have your normal life back! I hope you, DH and furbabies had a lovely nap and are ready for the next houseful of visitors seeking out your warm fuzzies

Lynard - your bookclub book sounds a good read - another one for me to try and track down! Wild blueberries - yum! Sounds like you would have used mega calories with all that swimming, walking and yoga - a little indulgence would have barely registered. The wii is a bit of a termagent isn't she??

Gayle - Yay - glad to hear that you managed to leave work on time for once. My kittehs are very snuggly - thank you for asking. They absolutely lurve their walkies - we have to go out every day, come rain or shine. Mungo, the little boy, is an absolute busybody - if he sees any new people in the neighbourhood, he insists on meeting them.

Freda - so annoying to do a long post and then ... pffft ... a lightening strike and it's all gone. Great effort that you've done a new long newsy post. Thanks for your info on Costco - it sounds like the jury is out, and I'd be better off checking it out before I sign up for a membership. I think the membership is $60 here.

Toodles!

Good Morning, Everyone,

This morning I did 6 miles of training. I am thinking about changing my strategy. Instead of interspersing running, just get my walking speed up. That is what I did today and I actually had better time than when I was doing some running. I think it will be better for my knee and hip.

Have a Great day everyone, stay cool,

Lynn


Hi Rosey,

When was your injury? Somehow I missed this information. I think your attitude is GREAT! You have consistently been one of our most positive gg’s. I so admire your ability to overcome your problems and maintain such a wonderful attitude.
Hi Lyn,

Interesting how much we are learning about each other from this conversation. I remember an article that I read that said women become best friends by sharing “intimate information” about themselves. Most of my friends have had bouts of depression at one time or another. Maybe it is just a “sign of our times.”


Hi Gayle,

I’m sitting here with the ice on my knee again. I am pretty much resigned to the fact that my icepack and I will be close friends until I get through this marathon!

Hi Gail,

Again, I am so interested to read about everyone’s experiences. I though we all knew each other through and through. But this conversation is REALLY enlightening. Just goes to show how strong we all are. No wonder we like each other so much!

Hi Rie,

I volunteer for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society (same group that sponsors the marathons). The particular program I help is one in schools where the kids collect change to donate to help local children who have blood cancer (mostly leukemia).

You are right about the weight loss. Before, I could barely walk. My hip was in VERY bad shape and I walked with a cane. I could NEVER have done a 13.1 mile marathon!


Hi Freda,

I just LOVE her books. Best if you read them in order – In the Woods, The Likeness, and Faithful Place. She is an Edgar Award winner. She does an interesting thing. Each book has a character who narrates the story. The narrator is different in each one, but is always someone who appeared in previous books. It is REALLY interesting because you see a new side of each character when he/she is the narrator.

Hi
(Just so you all know that I'm still around and thinking of you! )

Hi Koala,

Tana French's 3 books are available at B&N and at Amazon.

About Pamuk - one of the first books my bookclub read was his - Snow. We all complained vociferously about it. However, ever since, we have spent a lot of time talking about it. It was absolutely painful to read, but actually touched on A LOT of issues that impact our lives.

NOTE: I would NOT happily read another of his books.

Lynn

Okay. Tuesday, Day 2 of my 47-day campaign. (Oh, PT – as unrealistic as it may be, I’m going to aim for a 20 pound loss…and get just as close as I can to that number.) Day 1 went very well; I came in under 1,000 calories – something around 900 actually, and ate very well, wasn’t at all hungry. Now, my (eating) plan is to alternate calorie days – similar to the “Wendie” plan whose rationale is that the reason we dieters get into non-losing mode after a few weeks or so of good losses is because our bodies adjust to the lower caloric intake by slowing down our metabolism to avoid starvation. SO, to keep that from happening, the “Wendie” plan says that we should *fool* our bodies into maintaining high metabolic rates by eating more calories on some days and less on others. The higher calorie days help to keep our metabolism in high gear so that we’re really taking advantage of those lower calorie days. Not that the high calorie days are super-high; just higher than the low-calorie days, ie.; under 1,000 calories on the low-cal days and maybe 1400 calories on the high day. ANYhoo, yesterday I had a cup of Fiber One cereal (original) in half a cup of skim milk + half a cup of strawberries and about 40 blueberries for breakfast. For lunch, 3 eggplant “meatballs” mashed into a small 45-calorie sandwich-sized pita with mustard, 15 kettle-cooked dark russet potato chips, 30 seedless grapes and a pint bottle of water. Then for supper, because we didn’t get our supper at home on Sunday night because of the shower, we had those marvelous farm stand tomatoes, two ears of sweet corn apiece (with 0-calorie spray olivio instead of butter) and to-die-for stir-fried garlic spinach. The colors – the bright green spinach, the lush red tomatoes, and the yellow corn – made a really attractive plate (I’ve been thinking “presentation”, here.) I’ve made up my mind to have a meatless meal at least twice a week, if not more. I can eat fresh greens any day, and now that we can get fresh veggies at the farm stands, I’m good without any meat at all.
Enough about me. Some of you have asked how you could help me on this serious effort to look ultra-good at ds’s wedding…..and I have to say that you are ALREADY helping! Just reading the posts every day and getting the occasional “attagirl” is just what I need – so THANKYOU, GGs!
Nancy, I guess I have to chime in with the rest here who have related their own struggles with depression. I’m pretty good at recognizing it in someone else, but when it comes to myself, I don’t have much patience. I always remember my mother saying “Get ahold of yourself!” in this very commanding tone whenever I got emotional about anything or cried for any reason…she was a great one for that old British “stiff upper lip” lifestyle. And, while I have certainly worked with my share of clients who were situationally depressed or clinically depressed, or some combination thereof, and understood perfectly well that they couldn’t control it on their own, I have typically held myself accountable according to my mother’s definitions, rather than the *real* definitions and diagnoses. BUT, having said that, acknowledge it or not, I have had, and still do have, some very down times when I feel very futile about everything and question the very reason for existence. Seriously. So, no, Nancy, you really aren’t alone at all – many if not most of us have been there, done that, got the T-shirt, and will probably be there again at one time or another. So hang in there – the best we can do is be here for each other, and I sure am glad that we are!
Gotta run – bak later!
Z