Sharon: Thanks, sweetie . I decided not to take my chances either, and went to the hospital last night. There are two great things about living in a really small town. 1) No heavy 2-4 hour waits (like there were when I lived in Calgary), and 2) It's right across the street! Haha. They weren't too concerned after they found out I worked out hard for 45 minutes, after having not very much sleep the night before, and not getting too much in, food-wise. Apparently working out when you're exhausted causing headaches? Anyway, they sent me home with a sleep aid, and a muscle relaxant shot straight to my butt , and told me to come back in the am if the headache hadn't gone away. When I started getting the headache, the first thing I thought was, "blood clot!" I have bad circulation, and my friend Paul died from a blood clot in his brain, and was experiencing bad headaches that he tried to sleep away. So I try not to take my body language too lightly, and do whatever it tells me to do. But thank you for being concerned I also think it's important to start small and work your way to big with weight loss. I didn't start counting calories right away. I started by first working my way in to removing certain things from my diet that I knew were BIG causes to my weight loss. Then Jasmine turned me on to calorie counting, and I slowly worked my way in to it. I feel I'm more successful for doing it this way. I have been doing it for a few months now, and I'm still working my way to a full on healthy diet and full exercise regimen. If I push myself too much, and fall off the wagon, I have farther to fall, and it's harder for me to pick myself up. Then again, this is me, and it might not work for everyone. Just letting you know you aren't the only one, and it's a HUGE step to just start eating right and starting to exercise, so good for you Especially with all the medical complications you've been going through. That takes a lot of dedication and perseverance through the pain, you are amazing!

Dolly: I LIVE green tea. I like to get the lightly flavoured ones, especially pomegranate. And I like that green tea isn't heavily flavoured, even when steeped for a long time, like regular tea (ie: red rose). Blech! I'm excited for your sessions. Let me know how they go, I may eventually take that route, for atleast a couple sessions, so that I can make sure my stature is correct when toning my muscles .

Mimi: The one thing I found when I was in the 160's is that although it took a long time to lose the weight (as opposed to when you're heavier, weight comes off faster) is that the difference are much more noticeable. Like someone else said, 5 pounds for me shows no change, but for you, you could lose an entire pant size!! That is GREAT! So although scale victories are nice, you could try focusing on the NSV (non scale victories). Do you know how many people can walk 4 miles on a regular basis? Not many, that's for sure! Only those with great dedication can go out and do it just for the sake of doing it, so good for you! <3

stopeating: No problem I also like the Sally Hansen's Get Growing. It's not a polish, but it really makes my nails look really healthy, and it feeds them some of the vitamins they need

Dolly:More here.

I have so much hair that chunks coming out on a daily basis is a natural thing for me. I shed hair like an animal does depending on weather and mood, and according to the doc, this is normal? Heh. Hope this helps, though!

hi everyone biotin is great for hair loss and so is msm(methylsulfonylmethane) its the natural sulfer and it great for joints as well as hair and nails

Our bodies require the element sulfur for many of its functions. Sulfur is a component of the proteins necessary for the formation of skin, hair, nails and muscle. Sulfur is also a component of bones, teeth and collagen (connective tissue). Sulfur is integral in the formation of bile acids by the liver and insulin by the pancreas. It is the fourth most plentiful mineral in the body and it essential for life. MSM, short for methylsulfonylmethane, is an organic form of sulfur readily absorbed and utilized by our bodies. MSM is composed of 34% bio-available sulfur, making it the richest source of organic sulfur available. MSM is a safe, natural, assimilable food, which assists the body in maintaining adequate sulfur stores. MSM may support the body in regulating insulin production, improving skin smoothness and elasticity, regulating environmental and allergic sensitivities, enhancing bowel function and liver detoxification, and enhancing respiratory function.

Most inorganic forms of sulfur are of little value to the body and may even cause harm. Sulfites, found as food additives, are one example. These inorganic forms of sulfur, including sulfa drugs, should not be confused with beneficial organic sulfur compounds such as sulfur containing amino acids and MSM.

Doctors Jacob and Herschler at the Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland Oregon, discovered MSM in the early 1980s.

MSM comes from the evaporation of the waters of the Oceans, into the rain clouds, and then is present in the rain itself. If you water your garden with rainwater, then MSM will be present in the produce of your garden. If you water your garden with water from only your faucet, then no MSM will be present in your produce.

MSM should be present in all the produce we consume, however it is easily destroyed by any heat, or processing of foods or water treatment plants. Therefore finding MSM in our readily available foods is getting harder to do. The half-life of MSM is only 12 hours when consumed within the body. Therefore supplementation with MSM should be repeated both morning and again in the evening.

I have seen many patients benefit greatly from MSM supplementation! I have had patients take MSM and tell me it did not cure the complaint they were hoping for, but when asked how the rest of their body was doing, I would always find out that some other, more important bodily need, was now for the better. MSM will go to whatever part of the body that is in the greatest need! In patients like the above example, I would have them increase their dose of MSM. I have not seen any overdose of MSM with any of my patients. MSM is considered very safe. Toxicity is extremely rare. No toxic effects were shown in humans given up to one gram per kilogram of body weight (70 Grams or more) per day for 30 days. MSM is generally non-allergenic.

MSM can be taken in bulk form. Its appearance is like a crystalline or flaky, pure white salt. When it is mixed with "beneficial" additives, it will take on the color of those other substances. When taken by bulk in the mouth, it is extremely bitter! In our clinic we used to tell our patients to mix the bulk MSM in warm water to dissolve it faster, then hurry up and drink it down fast! Taking it in this fashion is cruel! I even stopped doing it after a short period of time! Then one day I overheard an older fellow taking with some friends. These were people I had been working with every week for a long time in a church calling. I began to question this older gentleman and found out that HE and his son personally knew Doctors Jacob and Herschler, and were the first ones to begin to market the newly discovered MSM. As a matter of fact, this father and son’s MSM Company were the very source of MSM that we were using in our clinic! (Small world?)

If you are taking MSM by bulk, here is the proper way to consume MSM, to avoid that bitter taste. Take a large spoonful of the bulk MSM and place it on the tip of your tongue. Now quickly consume a large amount liquid. Water can be used and is how I consumed bulk MSM. However juices will mask any small taste, especially Cranberry Juice. MSM, when place on the tip of your tongue is tasteless. It is when it dissolves that the taste is so very bitter. Consuming MSM in this manner will allow nearly all of the MSM to dissolve in your stomach, far on the other side of your taste buds!

MSM taken by way of capsule is the most convenient method of taking MSM and is the only practical way to take MSM if "worthy" additives are present within the MSM, to guarantee a proper blend. (Otherwise the ingredients will settle away from each other.)

http://pages.prodigy.net/naturedoctor/msm.html




the only thing with msm and biotin is that if you take other meds they both block the absorbtion of other meds so you cannot take them close together

Thanks for all the info ladies. I already take a multivitamin and calcium supplement, so may I should insert a Biotin supplement and switch to prenatal vitamins.

stopeating:

Is he going to put you on medication?

That is great!!

martiniforme:

Awww can it be something you are eating?

Canuk4:

Thanx hun. Yeah she seems to have settled down a bit. She did take alot of stuff out of her room and say that she "doesn't care any more".

*rolls eyes* I guess that is her little way of trying to fight back. She asked me again yesterday a.m. if I could get her into home school and I told her, "NO. I am not even going to think about it for a few weeks!" She is like, "Why?"

hahahahahahahahhahaahah. Arrgghhh!!!
I said, "You know why!"

Unfortunately we do need his permission or the court's when him and I first split, a few months later I left the state cause he was still coming by and harassing me and acting like we were still together all the while threatening divorce and to hurt me and break this or that etc. That is when Joe came and got me and the kids and we left to Mt.

He immediately filed paperwork and tryed to get custody of the kids(he had ALOT of help from his family w/ the paperwork cause they have been thru all that and had his friend fill out the forms even! )

Anyhow the judge ordered us to come back and to not leave the high desert!

Just everyone keep praying.

I will give everyone the update on Joe's job in a few.

Well WW is a good start, not sure how it = out cal wise. The biggest advice I can give ya is to not go too low too soon cause that results in NOT staying on plan and binging. You are losing so you must be doing something right! haha Water aerobics sound good.

That is great!!! WTG!!!

miafluker:

It will get better today!!

sumisan:

Well I hope you get all that cleared up medically!

Okay what plan are you following now hun? Vegetarian, although it sounds great in theory, I have been reading about it on other sites and I really don't think it is best for optimal health for anyone.

dollypie:

Maybe you can get some good tips!

SD Gal:

I know losing this weight is not going to be easy, and harder yet the closer to goal I get. So.. step by step I'll get there. I just need to realize it won't come off over night. My husband and I walked almost four miles last night & it really does me so much better to walk that way versus the two miles, which for me isn't much of a challenge. 80 minutes.. pretty good. I guess I'll have to start using 2# hand weights as well.

Exactly, plus the more you walk, the more your body gets used to it. There was a time in fall last year where I plateaud at around 235-240, it was so frustrating! I felt like I was walking all the time and eating healthy and only lost like 3 pounds that month! (I realized my portions were still too big and too many red meat and potato days. So I started limiting that and started counting cals. It mad ea HUGE difference! I started losing regularily. One thing I told myself though is this, even if you are not losing, you are still going to get off your butt every day and go for a walk! It is good for your hreart and even if you don't lose it also helps prevent diabetes, so even if I wasn't losing, to keep doing it anyway cause it is part of staying healthy! That really helped me to keep my focus in perspective and now I am down to 203!!!!

I have to remember too, to stay off the scale. I'm bad about it still.. Once a week, for cryin out loud! lol..

I think you are actually doing great hun! A general rule of thumb I have heard is 100 pounds for 5 feet and every inch after 5-10 pounds depending on body type(petite vs. large boned)

So you should be in the middle right now. There is a difference however in body fat % though. One woman may weigh 140 be 5'4 and look frumpy or chubby, another woman may weigh and height be the same but may have more muscle mass and look lean and trim! So what you may want to work towards is more muscle mass, lifting weights, aerobics, etc. Start measuring yourself! You can weigh the same yet be in a smaller size of clothing and more slender etc.

marbleflys:

Hi sweetie!! Yes! *hugs* I was telling myself yesterday, not to be mean, but I really enjoy being home and taking care of the house, organizing, even cleaning is getting funner now that I have really applied myself! I want my kitchen to be neat and the bathrooms and frontroom. Now that I have lost weight and regained energy and etc I am a much better housekeeeper! I used to be one of those moms were like every few days dishes got done etc. But this last two months I have been so on top of it! I want it clean all the time and I even have energy after dinner to jump up and load the dishwasher, I try to clean as I go while preparing dinner too. I want a clean table cloth and flowers on the table, stuff like that. The kitchen is getting swept like twice a day and thank god for the dishwasher where breakfast and lunch dishes can hide til later. I have been working on mastering the kids bathrooms and last saturday dragged them all in there and showed them how to clean a bathroom from top to bottom. (we have 2 but we use ours and they use theirs)Anyhow it used to get clean once a week but it needs to be done like 3 times a week with a check up every day! So I am just getting better about all this. I am trying to work with all the kids on being neater and more organized etc. I am just in a better place and am able to really focus on my home, the kids, dh and cooking from scratch etc. Joe is really proud of me. :d

So what I am saying is that I am enjoying this and I don't want her ruining it! With her attitude, and her etc to infinity. I don't need the extra drama and stress. So for now she is just going to have to deal with school. I normally LOVE having my kids home and was a bit sad to have them go back to school after 3 weeks but with the way she has been lately I was thinking, **** no I don't want you at home! hahahahahahah

The good thing too is like we said if we do do this later, we can have a trial basis and if I am feeling that way then send her back!

Anyhow.....For now she is at school and I am not stressed and she has been getting her butt out the door in time and not giving me much trouble about it.

How are you doing?

SD Gal:

I can't wait til I can get in a 12 again! This year baby!!! What size is your chest? I have always been about a 38 D and am hoping I don't shrink!! Okay seen your post!

stopeating:

Awww. Why did they have to have those?

martiniforme:

Hope you are having a great day hun!!

I will get to my update in a few! BRB

Well I will start by saying I am down a pound this week! Yeah!!! I am really wanting to lose one more by sunday. I should be able to do it. Walked 30 minutes yesterday. Anyhow this means I am down 7 pounds this month so far!!! WHat a great way to start off the new year. Joe and I wedding anniversary is April 9, 2006. I was 250 then. I am really hoping I can get down to 180 by then. That would be so awesome! 70 pounds in one year!! We'll see!!!

LAdies, is that about a size 14? I am thinking so cause I am pretty much in a 16 now.

I wanted to tell you all about Joes job but don't even want to type it out right now. Just please be praying. I know this probably sounds really low to some of you....(he had worked in construction before we met and was doing well with contract work but he broke his backk in a sledding accident and they told him he would never walk again. He proved them wrong and is very healthy and active) Anyhow so he wasn't able to get clearance to go back in that line of work again. So he had fallen back on cooking for a few years and then he came out here and no one was hiring for that. Worked for the prison for a few months at 8.00 an hour til they closed down and then had to take a job at a new car lot basically washing cars for 7.00 an hour like a year and a half ago. There really aren't too many opputunities up here and every time there is a county of city opening he applies but nothing yet. We dont want him hopping around chasing a dollar more an hour either as we figure it will look better when we move to mt if he has a steady employment history rather than hopping around etc.

Anyhow, last year he had terrible shifts, weekends, 2 12-7 shifts, one or two 10-7 shifts and lucky to get an 8-5. After we got married in April we really started praying about it and God did open the door in that co. for him to move to courtesy dept and that means NO WEEKENDS! And mostly 8-5 shifts with 1-2 10-7's a week. (BEtter than before though)

Anyhow, he was hired at .25 cents more an hour than minimum wage and he is really irritated making what he does and all that. Plus with us not having a car right now options are limited to even look for other work etc and we don't know if we are moving etc.

Anyways, someone got fired, there is a guy who has been there longer so in that dept Larry should move up, but that would of meant Joe would get his spot. Straight 8-5's, no weekends. Yeah! Also it should be a pay increase but not sure how much as the guy would never say how much.

Anyways as you all know minimum wage went from 6.75 to 7.50. Now here is the thing, now first let me start by saying .25 cents one way or another is not a difference and is not a big deal(obviously he needs a MUCH better job!) but when that went up, wouldn't he automatically go up and be still making .25 cents over minimum wage? You'd think! Well heck no! Not only these people have not given him a yearly raise, but we got his recent paycheck and he is back to making minimum wage! So he is not even making a quarter an hour more!!! And like I said its not about the money, its the principle! I told him to talk to his immediate manager, Sean. He did and Sean agreed and said he would see what could be done, BUT that same day they found up Larry will be moving up, so next to move up in his spot would naturally be Joe right? Nope! They were going to move up the guy who has been there 6 months less than Joe! And there work performance is the same, its just that Joe will not back down when it come to an argument no matter who it is. (He is not a pushover)

I don't expect him to. His manager really likes him and has told him he is irreplacable etc. (remember how he was passed over for a bonus last year cause of the owner, Joe even fixes their broken equipment cause he has mechanical skills so they dont have to pay someone 80 an hour etc and John, the owner, says , oh he just does that so he can take a break from washing cars, or some crap like that)

Anyhow I was so mad and Joe wants to burn the place down, as you can imagine that plus all the other crap at work. I have talked to him before about(I know men define themselves by how much they make etc) doing his best and letting it go. To try to get a better job but if this is what he has for now then not to define his self worth on the fact he is not appreciated at a lousy job and doesn't make enough etc. To work toward improving himself and instead to define himself on how successful this family is and to be thank ful to God that even though he has a low job we can still make ends meet and are still able to stay afloat and get some assitance plus I am allowed to stay at home. You know money is nice and all that but there are so many poor nations where even just having food and clean clothes is not an option. I am very thankful for what we have and hopefully some day we will have more but for now, be happy.

He did start changing his thinking and not getting so stressed out about work etc. Anyways I was really mad about them doing that to him, basically no .25 cents that he was already supposed to have and no promotion! He came home and we just prayed and gave it to God. 2 days later, yesterday, guess what? he is calling me and I guess Sean basically went to bat for him and now the other guy will not be promoted, he will. Yeah!!!!!! (To Larry's position) So no more 10-7 shifts! And this should mean more money although we don't know how much! It may take a few weeks cause now they need to hire someone to fill Joes shoes since he is moving up and another guy just quit! So please be praying for us and I know God is good and no matter what. He will take care of us!!!

No we started eating out when we moved and were staying in the hotel. We never went back to vegan. We ended up getting 2 dairy goats and chickens on our little farm the hens just started laying so we buy eggs, we want baby chicks first . Our goats are dry right now, so I buy milk and cheese too. We eat meat too but its hard to get back into the swing of that. Even before my vegan days I didn't eat red meat (unless on special occasions), I prefer ground turkey and chicken. But I am trying to mix ground beef with the turkey to make it higher in iron and sneaking it back into our diet. I made beef stew today and it is awesome, I like the super lean meat you can get now, there was barely any grease on top! I went to alot of convienance foods because I just didnt have the will to make everything. But I am getting back on track, more veggies and healthier eating.

Ok so the size thing, I am 185 and 5' 9" and I swear I can't fit anything these days it is so weird! At 165 I wore a 12. At 145 a 10. So at 185 I should be in a 14 right? NO. I went up to 16. I bought a lot of pants on ebay and the measurements on the two pants were the same but when they came one said 18, I was upset about it, after all *I* dont wear an 18 LOL Low and behold those are the ones that fit the best They measure the same though as the 16's so I don't know maybe it was just a bad cut, they do look like they were altered, I didnt realize it at first but the front pockets go over the side seam, and on the interior the side seam is butterflied like it was taken in. So maybe that is just what happened. I almost cried this month when I got my TOM bloat and THOSE were tight! LOL I am very BOTTOM heavy though so who knows. All you porpotionate women are SO lucky! I wish I had gotten boobs like my sister did

So I dont know, is there a chart somewhere that says what the heck size you are? It sure is frustrating!

here is a link to a blog all about sizes: www dot calorie-count.com/forums/post/13819 dot html
replace the dots with real periods and take away the spaces
(hope this is ok!)

Hi everyone;

just trying to keep up on the postings.....in the post I lost the other day, responding to Jasmine's frustration with DD.....she's young and probably doesn't comprehend the intricacies of your divorce settlement....do you think she feels some guilt about her Dad? (they don't tell you everything)...she knows how to get your attention, and hopefully the cutting wasn't serious wounds. I'd keep an eye out for a long vertical...and hope she doesn't know where the femoral artery is.....there are an awful lot of culty websites that girls look at....check the history on her browser....and DON'T feel like you are invading her privacy.

(i used to listen to my daughter's phone conversations with my stethoscope pressed to her bedroom window)

and Mimi is so right about the bodyfat%...I'm 5'5" and small-frame. (when I was younger in school I was very sports-oriented/athletic, I've still got some muscle, but it's hiding under my fat)! if I didn't use wts. i'd look like a mallo-bar....I'm a 36-C and have trouble with my shirt buttoning, i wear a large or size 12 top, size 10 or sometimes 8 on the bottom. I do my push-ups and chest-press with 15# dumbbells to keep them from falling down.

If you can't do a full push-up..try the "kitchen counter" version...stand in front of your kitchen counter feet securely at a 45 degree angle, like a 1/2 push-up.

BBL, hi to veryone else.

Just a quick post - I will do personals later. The doctor called and set up an appointment for an endrocronologist (sp?) She's not sure what's up with the blood test. I'm actually relieved to be able to see someone who can explain. Unfortunately not until February 20th.

My identity was stolen. And by all people, it was my husband's ex! I called the police and they have started an investigation. I know everyone has heard it before and there are two sides to every story, but cross my heart I've never met anyone as evil as her. She will be furious that I've reported her and she will try to lie through it. I have never had a run in with her in six years. I've always kept my distance, but she went too far this time. I'll keep you posted.

Stopeating, that is terrible, but really good you know who did take it, there are always ways to prove it, she will get hers.

Everyone, I have to say it again, YOU'S are so informative, thank-you, I really learn alot on this site, it is fabulous.

As far as sizes, I don't even want to go there, I have been doing ok, but today I was busy doing laundry and up and down the stairs, doing some cleaning up and dishes etc. Busy almost since I got up around 9am-till 5pm, it seemed, I did sit and read some adds that came today, but not long, then I did about 20 mins. floor exercise. I was in the bathroom and happened to look in the full length mirror on the back of the door, (which I almost always ecnore) and I still got the sticky out butt in front and big stomach in front, I felt I looked somewhat better, but boy that was a rude awakening.

You's mentioned bust size, how would you like to be a 46D? That is what I am, and boy do I hate it, I put an exercise bra on and try when doing exercise to put my head down, well I all but get smothered.

I did okay food wise yesterday, trying to follow WW, but am missing quite a bit of my stuff, I do have one print-out with most foods and there points as well as some of my old notes and values, even some restaurant counts. I was too tired to exercise, fighting the cold again, hubby has it back. Made him sleep upstairs last night as he woke me up, when he came to bed, then got in and started coughing. (I sound like my son's girlfriend), but seriously he just could not stop, even after I told him to take cough syrup and lozenges etc. We just talked and I said I would sleep up there tonight, but he said no he would. I just don't want to get it again and Dad is still not doing great, so I don't want to give it to him either, he just got over one.

Thank-you Martiniforme, but I was really worried about that headache.

SD Gal, your doing great, and adding a little more exercise might be the answer and the weights too. You will where that dress and knock them dead, at that graduation.

Sumisan, sorry I called you Sam for short the other night, that is unreal about that doctor being at the hospital, then at the clinic. I would think your insurance would cover you if you went 60 miles away, but I am Canadian so should not be saying anything about that. Maybe someone else could tell you.

Stopeating, I understand how you feel about your appt. not being till Feb., I am just being told I am on a waiting list for the operating room, whatever that means!!!!

Not great with the food today, not enough veggies and fruit, but still did not go over my points. I may start the water aerobics tomorrow, a pool not far away has them in the morning from 11:15 to 12. We will see, have to check on Dad first.

Jasmine, you blow me away, how you can have so much patience about Joe's job and the money he should be getting and moving up, God certainly has to look down on you with a smile. I don't know how you can do it with 5 kids and just him working, I know you said you have a little other money coming in but wow, you must be a fabulous shopper etc. to keep your head above water. We are much older and should be set almost for retirement, we are not any where near it. It is a second marriage for both of us and we both ended up in debt thanks to the X's, $14,000 worth, but we have our own home, we have a large line of credit, not entirely thanks to us, but a good chunk is my son's and my daughter owes about $5,000. grand, but still, we have quite abit on our charge cards too, it really worries me and I am in charge of the money. When I was on my own and had the kids, I used to have envelopes for gas, groceries stuff like that. Well I just implimented that again, it worked well the first time, lets hope it works again, but its to remember to take the money with you when you go. We are retired, not yet that age, my husband is closer than I am, due to the 7 yr. age difference, but we had too retire due to health reason's, not because we are lazy. I hate it, I wish I could be out working and bringing in a steady Good wage. Well as you say Jasmine we will leave that in God's hands, I still pray for you every day. I even pray about my weight too, it all helps. We are all fortunate in so many ways thanks to God, or whoever it is for you ladies.
I am glad Jasmine your standing your ground with your daughter, mine was famous for rolling her eyes to the ceiling, we used to look up and ask what she was looking at, she did not like that!

Well I have rambled enough, good night ladies, have a wonderful day tomorrow.
Sharon

i never had that happen but i almost got suckered in my that nigerian internet fraud thing that was going one where you would put something for sale on the net and somone would reply and send you a western union money order for more than the price so it can cover the shipping cost
come to find out its someone in nigeria and the money order is a faud i almost cashed it the police got involved but lucky for me i saved all the email they this person sent.

Once again i fell off track this week back up to 225.2 hopefully ill get it together