Hang in there Tera. I totally agree. I know what I need to do, but don't always do it. And, even though I don't get it right all the time ~ I hate to think of the mess I'd be in if I threw in the towel and didn't try at all.

Like you said ~ we'll keep on keeping on ~ one day at a time.

Took a 4 mile walk around a lake yesterday by myself and I feel much better both mentally and physically. I try to spend as much time outside as I can. Friday I weeded all morning around my backyard garden and then cooked and cleaned and had a fun dinner party with some neighbors. Actually I did a fair amount of home cooking this weekend-grilled salmon and steamed veggies for dinner last night and omelets, pancakes and fruit for brunch this morning. Tonight though is dinner at the Braves game-that will not be particularly healthy or low cal. I have all next week to be good and make up for it.

Marie-You are doing awesome. I am so glad you posted to let me know all the great things you have going on. I am inspired. Good thing you figured out the estrogen problem. When putting on weight it should at least be from something delicious and fun to eat-not estrogen replacement!

Hi Gayle!

Wow, I am so glad I redid my ticker. It looks so much better this way. I pretty much weigh the same old-same old that I have for the last 9 months. I go up and down around 150 a lot. Maybe I will do better now. I would like to anyway. More job drama going on in my house. This time it is DH. Totally unexpected and much more impact then my silly no good job. Waaaah. Anyway, we are trying to roll with the punches and look for the silver lining and all that. It is so awful right now though, I have lost some of my appetite. When I get really, really stressed I actually eat less. Go figure. Well, it won't last long-the loss of appetite I mean. I know DH and I will get used to our new financial circumstances as well-just not so fun.

Oh my Tera ~ did your DH lose his job or did his company close down? That is hard. Thoughts and prayers for you guys. Sorry you are having to under go that stress. Hang in there.

Gayle-Thanks for the kind thoughts. Thankfully he has not lost his job. Just very serious and debilitating changes. That is all I can say on the subject. Not trying to be cryptic-but -it is the Internet afterall. Anyway, we will be fine. Just hard to believe and hard to accept and verrrry disappointing.

My appetite is back so obviously I am recovering.

Tera ~ again, I am sorry for the stress and difficulties you and your DH are facing. I understand why you are not able to go into more detail. Sending good thoughts, {{{{hugs}}}} and prayers.

Birthdays tomorrow-awesome. I hope you both enjoy a fabulous day full of fun, food, family and friends!

I have not been terribly focused on what I am eating yet. Just trying to get back on track emotionally, get my worry response under control and maybe even find the right corrective action to get out of this negative rut I have found myself in. So far,I have been spending lots of time either outdoors-mostly hiking, walking the neighborhood or garden chores, in the kitchen cooking and reading non fiction-I love an interesting fact! However, I know there is more to be done-the thing I dislike so very, very much and keep having to do over and over. I am not even going to print it here. But I am preparing myself mentally for it. One step at a time.

Hello Tera and Marie,

And Happy Birthday Marie. Like you, I am enjoying today and not worrying about the food. Not going wild, but enjoying without guilt. Have kind of had a few treats ~ birthday related ~ this week. Tuesday DH had a birthday coupon for BOGO Blizzards at Dairy Queen. Shared 3 ways ~ that wasn't too bad. Then Friday, he had a BOGO coupon for Concrete mixers (kind of like a Blizzard) at Culvers. Again we split the two ~ between the 3 of us.

So sorry Tera for the stresses in your life right now. Hang in there

Hello Ladies-love your celebratory birthday treats. Yummmm. Now back to business!

I have not had any celebrations but still indulged in some treats. Time for me to get back to business also. Perhaps I can make myself count some calories tomorrow. I have managed to get some exercise in. Today was body sculpting class at the Y. I might try the yoga class tomorrow. I have been avoiding it because it is rather late in the day but I am thinking some yoga might be good for what ails me.

Marie-sorry to hear about the wildfires. R those a given every year where you live? I hope your asthma symptoms stay away!

Gayle-What is going on with your bike riding these days? Is it too warm there now?

Thank you both for the kind thoughts about my worries. I am fine. I have many, many things to be grateful for and just need to deal with the other stuff. I really, really need to work on acceptance and not reacting so openly! You two are wonderful though for putting up with my whining. I will try not to whine anymore. The weather here is great by the way and I am thoroughly enjoying a perfect evening on my screened porch watching the sun go done behind the trees and writing this note to you. Now that sounds a better perspective, right?

Goodness Gracious Marie-twelve pounds-Wow. Fantastique! I am so happy for you. Do you have any weight loss tips to share? Do you think your doctor was the main impetus? That is pretty awful about the wildfires-my praises to the brave people who fight them. Here is hoping and wishing a fortuitous climate event heads your way soon.

My frame of mind continues to mend. I am especially buoyed by DD's successful transition to her new job this year. I am so grateful to witness her joy and happiness and leave behind last years pain and struggles. Still not doing much for myself in the weight loss department except coming here to remind myself that there was a time.... Hopefully again soon.

cals-1570, ex-body sculpt at the Y. I ate a lot of food this weekend. Three different social engagements all revolving around dinner. We even got to try some new dishes-a watermelon, cucumber, feta salad and a blueberry/blackberry gallette. I am still eating leftovers but luckily in small portions. I am hoping this week to get back on track.