Hi everyone,

Thanks for the welcome!
For me it's almost weekend (7 hr time difference with New York), so wish you lost of relaxing and fun.

Eliza, I dropped 2 pounds in three days (ok mainly water probably, but have been VERY good with diet), so I'm happy with myself. drinking coffee like mad, though...

Dabrat: Sorry about your eye; have you had this prblm for long, and have you had a 2nd opinion on it? Sounds like smt my gran used to have and she was operated on it successfully. Dont't want to give you false info or anything but it seems weird that nobody knows what it is (?). Hope you're not offended about the above.
I also do better in good weather, like backfor2002. I was born in The Netherlands (famous for tulips, windmills and drugs and RAIN RAIN RAIN), and here I see that whenever it's cloudy weather/raining for more than 3 days in a row, everyone including me walks around grumpy and slightly depressed.

Roadrunner, how many months are you? 1st, too?

Backfor, you may pick my brain whenever you want! In a former life I was a tour guide, so although I've never been over the ocean to check out your side, I've pretty much seen this side inside out!

Stick to it, everyone, you can do it !

Vassiliki, Athens

Hi Everyone!

I found this great recipe somewhere on the internet (don't think it was here so I thought I'd share.) I tried it last night and it was a great treat - especially for the chocolate lovers out there!! The recipe is for a chocolate smoothie and it was so good for only 2.5 or 3 points (not sure exactly). So simple - for one serving take a cup of skim milk, 1 tbsp of chocolate fat free sugar free jello pudding, 1 pkg sweetener and some ice cubes. Put it all in a blender and blend!! It makes quite a big glass and it was really good. Pretty thick and yummy - tastes like pudding. Not sure what portion of the pudding pack you're using so I'm sure whether the serving is 2.5 or 3 points but no more than that. My husband loved it too. Let me know if anyone tries it!!

Elisa

Hi all.

I lost .25 last night at weigh in. Not a lot, but I'll take it. Glad it's in the right direction anyway.

RR - so happy for you that all is well! ~ Enjoy your anniversary!

Dabrat - I was surprised I did better when dh was gone - it was definitely the lack of cooking that did it for me. ~ Sorry about your eye problems.

Nanci - you never cease to amaze me on your progress! I'm thrilled for you.

Greek - cool that you were a tour guide!

Elisa - your recipe sounds yummy!

have a good one.

Rabbit
OP since . . . (messed up yesterday after weigh in)

Hello to all! Want to appologize for my last post. It was soooo pathetic. I am having a hard time and was feeling a little like everything is going wrong. However, when I really look at things, my life is pretty good and things are getting better all the time. If I make big, leaping strides, I should expect to give some back from time to time and that is not a bad thing. By golly, I get better by the minute!

Up just about 3 lbs over the past 2 weeks - this is pretty typical if I have a "bad spell" as I have lots more salt and sugar which makes me pack on the H2O - I know I can get it right back off. If, that is, I kick this butt back OP I feel totally out of control, but in reality, most days I don't eat so bad AND get some exercise - Just not up to the lofty levels I have set for myself.


Note: This is a long section about the eye thing. Feel free to skip - it helps to get it off my chest. Don't want to stress out the family...

Thanks so much for the support on the eye thing - SCARRY $&!t !!! No one in my immediate family has a problem, but retinitis pigmentosa was a problem in my grandmother's family. My other grandma has glaucoma. I have pretty darn good vision, but have definately noticed changes (not for the better) over the past 6-10 years. Seeing at night is particularly hard. SO far the eye dr's have said things like "pale optic nerve" and "macular scaring", then (new dr) "no problem noted".... Student health coverage is really great! Anyway, I had my eye appointment at Mass General Hospital (now that I am a real person with real insurance). Due to my family history and eye history, they did a "field of vision test". They usually only do these when you are much older. I have had them before and done fine. This time - not so fine. Early signs of RP??? Difficulty with night vision followed by loss of visual field. The Dr. was very young and probably has not had to do much like this before. She referred me to the specialist. When she saw I was noticably upset, she said "This is why I sometimes hate being a Dr." Real appropriate, huh??? So sorry I am making your job hard, lady.

Anyhow, they said it would take a while to get in to see the specialist, but I somehow got an appointment for this Tuesday - so I guess I will know the full deal then. It is an all day affair, with the results coming after lunch. No need to worry until I know what there is (if anything) to worry about! Will keep you posted.

Sorry so long! Will respond to individuals on next post!

Ok, I have considered different things to get my degree in once all the kids are in school. Even though we homeschool now, I do hope to eventually move to a better school district and put them all in, and then I will go back to school myself. Anyway, I have thought about psychology, teaching, nursing, and when I was in high school, I wanted to major in pharmicodynamics (the people who actually invent medicines). But I think I have an idea. I think that I want to double major in nutrition, and in p.e.. I have an idea for a business that would change the way people on a diet would shop. And I think I want to continue to experiment with healthy alternatives to everyday American recipes. Anyway, I wondered what you all think.

I have skipped exercise 2 days in a row. I injured my shoulder, but I could have exercised and left out the exercises that used those muscles. The biggest problem has been getting up early so that I can exercise when the kids are easy to keep quiet. I need to recommit to exercising when ever I can, so that if I don't get up early, I can still exercise before lunch (which is what I will have to do today). And now that dh is out of school for the summer, I want to start walking to the park when he gets home from work, so the kids can play, and I can walk around the track that is there. It is a really cool track that includes a hill in it. I think it is 1/4 mile around, or something like that. So it will be a great way to increase my exercise.

Rabbit - A loss is a loss no matter the size. Congrats, and keep it up.

Elisa - Sounds like a great recipe. I hope all is going well with the house. Water is definitely going. 88 oz. both days I have been using my jug. Now, if only the weight would go with it!!!

Greekgirl - Welcome!!! Wow, Greece, what a romantic place to live. I too want to visit someday. Good luck on that 20 lbs.

Nanci - WTG on the loss. I think you must be doing the best on this board.

Daphne - I agree with Greekgirl, you should have a second opinion. Maybe you could get it fixed, and then not have that problem anymore. I know that there are great improvements being made in eye surgery. The just did a report on that subject recently on our news. Before long, no one will have to have eye problems of any kind!!! (ok the last statement is hopeful thinking, but it might be true)

Vicki - So exciting. I have a friend who is due Dec. 15th, so will be interesting to see how this all goes with the two of you.

Jul - Maybe you should have an alternate plan if the weather is bad this weekend. I will say a prayer for you guys. Have fun.

Bailey - Please keep us posted. They are making headway all the time in eye surgeries and treatments. So, a cure could be just around the corner. I for one do want to keep up with what is going on with you, so keep telling us. You really have inspired me, and continue to do so. You are a real trooper. BTW, most of us do have it good, but even as good as we all have it, some times we have things in our lives that are more than we can bare, and in each person it is different. Chin up, as the spider said to the pig.

About my "problem", I should have more info next Tuesday or Wednesday, and then will share more.

Everyone have a great weekend.

Hi all,
I just wanted to check in. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to while I'm in CA. Hopefully I can -- I'm gonna need some inspiration to keep my eating and drinking under control. Last time I was there I went to the pool after work and had three fruity rum drinks then ordered a big steak dinner from room service. It was all too much for my stomach and it decided it didn't like it in there. I guess that's one way to stay OP.

Congrats to all the losers. I'm still hanging at the same weight. Hmmmm...do you think it could be all the candy bars I've been eating?? Once I get back from this trip I'll pull myself together and get strict. At least until my next vacation.

Good luck to everyone!!

WOW...2 days in a row for me!!! Just had a 3 hr nap after work..Work is too taxing some days cuz we are short of nurses as are alot of places...We are losing 2 more next week(retiremement, and marriage soo moving to another state)and 1 has been hit with some bad news and is in MD Anderson in TExas for awhile..I just do what I have to do and rest in between...DH is wonderful about everything!!!!!It will be nice to be relaxing on a boat in shorts and swim suit all day(even if the belly is pooching!!!)

GG-I am a little over the second month and it is my first one..(and last)soo I am making the best of everything!!!!I agree that Greece is on my list of places to visit..Last year we were in the Netherlands on a honeymoon soo that is beautiful also....

Helloo too all!!!Take care!!!
RR

Jul: Keep up that exercise! Give the dog something to be jealous about. Great on the busy business. Sorry to hear about your eye difficulty. Hope it stays put. Don't know if anything specifically helps that, but I have heard recently that for eyes, some things might help - like vitamin A, spinach (don't really know what else). I try to have spinach as much as possible (YUCK!). Try to get vitamin A from things like slimfast and viactiv.

Liz: Wow have fun with the bike thing! GL limiting the drinks - sounds like it could get a bit dangerous . Best of luck on the trip - sounds fun. One strategy? Work out during drink hours Seriously, or during breakfast. My theory (I have never succeeded in putting it into practice) is that if I go out and get fruit to keep in my room, I can work out during the bad, yummy free breakfast and then eat my fruit. If I also work out during part of the cocktail hour, I drink about as much, but feel I really deserve it!. Can that expense account be used for clothes?. Thanks for your words of encouragement - I will get through this slump. I think maybe I am a tad manic depressive??? Your successes keep me going.

Lyssa: The new mug sounds like a good idea. If I measure my H2O out like Rabbit said, I do much better with it. Thanks for your support.

Rabbit: Yeay back op and on the loss!! What I wouldn't give for a loss right now (that may not have been clear - let me spit out this cookie so you can hear me better).

Nanci: You rock! I do realize that everything doesn't suck and I will move on! Thanks for being here.

Elisa: Yeay on house - glad everything worked out - GET RID OF EVERYTHING! You will be so much happier and the move will be so much easier. I hear ya on the 150 line. Got down to 143, but this week saw the dreaded "149.5". Must not weigh again until I get back into the swing of things Thanks for the encouragement and inspiring me onward. I can do it.

Greekgirl: Welcome - Ignore BF's unrealistic expectations, you are right - that is not healthy. Sounds like you are off to a great start!

RR: Hope you are feeling better - it is well worth it. Have a WONDERFUL time on your trip.

Dabrat: I am no expert, but it does seem that they should be able to tell you what the problem is with your right eye. Have you had a second opinion? Can't hurt. Our eyesight is so precious, it is well worth "looking" into . Great job on the walking.

BPB: Come back! We miss you!

Gosh - it is so beautiful here today. Have ants in my pants sitting here at the old desk.

Hey guys, sorry to be such a posting feind. I found this on another site and thought I would share. If I can pull myself together a little, I think I will try it. Right now I am about at -50%. If you want an excel spreadsheet for this, pm me your email and I will send it.

Lyssa: The new education plans sound exciting! Keep us posted - You can exercise - you can do it - I know you can. I love charloett's web. Best of luck next week.

Liz, It is definitely not the fault of the candybars! I have been discussing my recent gain with all of my candybars and they all have the same story - IT's NOT THEIR FAULT!! (sadly, I think the little buggers are liars)

RR: Hope work gets better - hang in there.

Hi everyone, Happy FRIDAY! I have to be quick as we are leaving for the weekend and I should be packing up my stuff.

Rabbit, Way to go on the .25, that is great after being gone.

Bailey, I was so happy to see your post! I was getting ready to come searching for you. Keep us updated on the eye. I liked the chart idea alot.

RR, Have an awesome time on that cruise. Kick back and soak up some serious vitamin D.

Liz, Good luck in CA. I know how hard that can be. My WW leader had a good point the other day. She said you should always try and have breakfast and lunch very similar to what you have when you are home. I tend to do most of my damage after the cocktail hour starts but it's worth a shot.

Lyssalou, I like your business idea! I am thinking good thoughts for you.

Elisa, Thanks for sharing the recipie idea.

Greek Girl, I love to travel! I will defintetly be talking with you. I would like to spend a week in Italy then a week in Greece. But then think maybe it should be two weeks in Greece. Who knows. Congrats on the loss.

Thanks for your support on the weight loss. Your words have helped me put things back in perspective. I know I have done really well. I was having a tad bit of a pity party today of how much more I have to go. I went shopping today and decided that my BUTT is HUGE. Ok, the logical me knows that it has to be smaller after losing 30+lbs. Part of the issue is that I tend to be smaller on top anyway. Oh well enough whining! I am trying to keep the positive thoughts going here.

Have a great weekend all.

Hi All,

I have been trying to surpress myself, but I can't anymore...I'm in the same boat at Roadrunner... Yes, I'm pregnant!!! EDD: 1/17/03. It's been a nutty couple days around here. We weren't supposed to be trying until July, but I ovulated 5 days early this cycle and BAM, it happened!! It didn't matter how many sticks I pee'd on, DH wouldn't believe it until I got a blood test...grrr, I hate needles. Guess I better get used to them now, huh?! First doctor's appt. is June 10th, and we'll get to hear/see the heartbeat then!! DH has affectionately named it Cletus the Fetus. Great...

Hope everyone's doing good and having a great weekend!!

GOOD MORNING.

Just checking in before I get really busy. I took a shorter walk today than I had planned - it rained on me. Next, I've got to run to the grocery store & then I'm making the pasta salad & dessert for tomorrow. Then around noon, I'm going to pick ds up at school & move him home for the summer.! Tonight I'll still have some last minute things to do before my family dinner tomorrow. But it's going well! (we're cooking out & it's supposed to rain - oh well!)

Bailey - You are a funny girl! ~ Glad you are feeling cheerier. ~ Good luck at the specialist Tuesday. ~ I liked your chart & think I'll print it out when I figure out how.

Lyssa - your business idea sounds great. ~ I like your plan to go to the park in the evenings with the family - good for everyone.

Liz - good luck in California! I can't remember when you're leaving.

RR - You are gone already I think? Enjoying that cruise!

Nanci - gone also - but have a great weekend. Glad our posts on your accomplishments helped you.

BPB - hello!

gotta run! Rabbit
304.044 miles
OP since 5/10/02

OK so many post I can't remember what all I have read!~First I want to congratulate LBH on the news! I am so jealous of you! Is this your first? I think it is just to exciting. Now we can have two with morning sickness here.
Greekgirl I hope that you are having a great weekend there. I think it must be just beautiflu to live there. When ever I see pictures from TV I just see stick thin prople. It is nice to know that there are real prople there.
Rabbit wtg on being OP. Isn't it a great feeling?
OK just wasnted to post and say hi hope we all have a great weekend and all stay OP! Daphne

Hi guys!! Sorry I've been away so much this week. Just been busy. I was very bad today. I had a real burger, some fries and 4 munchkins. Sigh. I just couldn't resist any longer. Hopefully now that I have it out of my system I can get back on track. Oh, I also had 1/2 of a big slurpee. I'll have to have water for the rest of the night. We did yardwork and took the dogs for a run with us on the bikes and them running . We went for two miles. So at least I got some excercise in.

Lauren: Congrats!! Wow, I sure hope that pg thing isn't in the air around here!! I told DH at Christmas that I was going off the pill and that BC was up to him from now on. I even gave him a count down of the last three months worth of pills. He has done NADA. It's been five months since I've been off the pill.
Either I've been lucky or one of us is broken!!

RR: Have fun on that cruise!!

Rabbit: Yeah on the loss. Any negative is good, no matter how small. It's much better than a gain. Especially when you have been away from home.

Bailey: Good luck on Tuesday. We will be keeping you in our thoughts.

Hey, you guys are all around my age. Do you remember Dawn dolls? They were like Barbies but they were only 6 1/2 " tall. They were my absolutely favorite toy. I hadn't thought of them in years but for some reason I decided to look them up the other day. They are hot collectors items!! Well, not THAT hot!! Mine were lost eons ago, so I decided to put a bid on some on ebay. I won the auction!! I'm so excited. I may start collecting and restoring them. I got four and some clothes. I can't wait to get them.

OK, gotta go take a shower. I can't stand smelling me anymore!!
Hope you guys are having a great weekend.