I just wanted to let you all know that I have just completed 2TWO days of sugarless, flourless eating. I have concentrated on the veggies and a little more protein. So far it's been fairly easy. I do this for 2 weeks and then slowly introduce the grains and dairy. I hope to report a loss on Monday when I have my Curves weigh in.

Sami: I am praying for you friend's DD. It must feel helpless to not be able to help her. Your prayers are effective though.

Michele: What better place to get to know someone than church. I wish for you the very best.

Gary: I will not give up on Curves for quite some time yet. I may decide to do something different this summer but that's a long time from now. Have fun training with Ron. What a great way to bond with him even more and lower that cholestrol.

Hi to everyone. I need to get going. Talk to you tomorrow.

Just got in from my neice's play and it is late. I was reading the post I wrote in a hurry this morning JUDY and I meant to say just get out and start WALKING, not running, if OK'ed by your doctor-- do what you can and build on. My first 5K (3.1 miles) was a little over 6 years ago-- I had given up smoking for good the day before the race (keep in mind when I say race I mean 5K's that have all entries from walking/running/strollers/etc) Anyhow it took me 75 minutes to walk it with my wife and daughter, my son ran it and then came back to walk the last 2.5 miles with us, now I walk them in 45 minutes or less-- if I run, which is rare now, I do it in about 30 minutes.
Angie and I do them together, we do not usually train together- she trains and I half way try to stay in shape, she will head out at 5am Thursday with another lady and I will read the sports page for my exercise-- I do better in the afternoon after work. Today I did 4 miles on the elliptical in 35 minutes.
If any of you are not familiar with 5K's check one out in your area-- they are so fun to do-- ALL SHAPES AND SIZES WALK THEM.
In our marathon training a few years ago there were several gals over 250 pounds-- they did the marathon!! it took 6 months of training-- slow-- but they finished. Angie ran into one of the gals a few weeks ago and she said she was skinny now! and still doing it-- train from August until Jan. then the race each year, then 6 months on your own.

SAMI-- if you have to bring the electric wheelchair out-FINE!!!_ just being a part of one makes you feel better-- you know how when you are eating better and exercising you just feel skinnier even if you aren't? Well when I walk the 5K's I just feel so much better.

WILMA- Good for you! on the diet and Curves

Checkin out- Gary

PRAYERS FOR ALL YOUR CONCERNS

Hi friends,


~GARY~ Thank you for the advice. I'm torn about my membership to curves. The renewal is coming up. I went to Golds Gym to see it and it just didn't look right for me. It had alot of weight equipment but I didn't see any people my size. I preferr exercising with other weman. I think I need to find my own program. We have a great track that is flat around the towns recreation building.It is a mile long. I could walk/run the track. The police department uses it to keep the men/ ladies in their department in shape. It is well lit in the evening. I could go there also after I walk the dog in the morning. We also have a public wooded park. Its for horses and people. There are trails through out the park. Very scenic place to go. Our town is a horse town. they have polo, fox hunts , and carriages . Some roads are dirt to cater to the horses. The horses have the right of way. There are horse crossings on the main roads that lead to this huge park. I love to see the carriages in the morning when I'm taking the kids to school. Our town is rated as one of the best locations to retire. Real estate here is very cheap and there are golf courses everywhere. There are churches on every corner. I love living here.


~WILMA~ Keep me informed on how your diet is going. If you have any low carb or no carb recipes please share. Thanks


" some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to."

I am so happy you all enjoyed the "NO EXCUSES" post Me too...

*******

JUDY ~ Your home town sounds so beautiful - I want to live there too Although, I am not far from Burton or Middlefield, OH... where there's allot of horse & buggy's ~ the Amish live there Joe and I have enjoyed many a drive through there to check out their beautiful homes and the people... they are such kind people! They lead very simple lives.

As far as Curves... you do know that that is a place "just for women" ? I have been to allot of different types of exercise and this one I really enjoy going to. I went yesterday, but not sure about today - our weather is pretty nasty!! Have a huge storm preparing to come through here! Our electric was out from 10pm till 1:30am and it was cold out! Good thing we were in bed... I woke up @ 1:30am to find all three of my cats on the bed trying to stay warm too and keeping us warm Anyway, I think the longer you ponder over what to do - you have lost time doing it So don't wait too long to decide and go for it, okay.

Are you and the family feeling any better? The last you posted all had some very bad colds.

WILMA ~ I have stuck to my goals as well It hasn't been all that hard to do either... Joe was off yesterday and we were out bumming around checking out furniture stores (the day was so beautiful!) and I packed a snack and lunch bag so I wouldn't eat off my program. I stuck to it! Today is day THREE I began it with an Eggbeater Mushroom Omlet this morning and have to go see what the rest of my day will be an plan.

I wish you continued success!!!! You dun good girl!

GARY ~ Thank-you so much for the encouragement!!!!!!!!! I ALWAYS can use that!!! We all can. I do have a tendency to think too much and too long on my mistakes - I really like your perspective!!! That's why I miss you when you don't post! Thanx.

How was your niece's play? How old is she?

Wo - the gust of winds here are scary!!!! I am sitting here in my little office and it just sounds so loud when it flares up!! Over 55mph and some @ 60mph. I would just rather have the snow or rains then all this wind... it causes allot of damage. Allot of downed tree's here this morning.

Gary - how are the survivors doing from the fires? Haven't heard too much these days now that the fires are under control. But all those families are out homes and I was just wondering what is being done. Is there an address they are posting to help out financially??

SAMI ~ That's okay if your are grumpy once in awhile as long as you don't get stuck there I remember what my mom use to say when I was little about an 'ugly/angry face'... She would say, "If you do that too much one day your face will just stay that way forever!" So just don't do it too much and you will be fine.

Feel better real soon!

SUE ~ I am feeling good - thanx - just beginning anew on the SOUTH BEACH DIET is all. Always great to hear from you!

MICHELE ~ That is our DOMINO kitty... he is 8 now & so precious! I knew he was meant to be ours when I saw that heart on him - I have always had the symbol of hearts in my life being born so close to Valentines Day... so I knew he was meant to be ours Well, plus he was reaching out of the cage for attention!!! While his sisters were way in the back hiding... you could just see he was a cat that loved people and to cuddle. So glad you enjoyed the pics.

Hey there girl --- I think it's a great place to find a man! Go for it and I also think you are being so wise just taking your time and not being too desperate acting. You are looking for someone that will love you forever and & always and vice-versa... so be sure and enjoy the time doing it. I just think God is so good when we wait upon HIM You know how it is, "When we least expect it... ... ..."

ANGEL ~ Don't be nervous about posting pictures here - we all love you and accept that you are in a place of rebuilding! Sure would love to see a picture of you with your granchildren !!

THANK-YOU so much for the "God's Listening" story! Loved it! It would have been a great post on the "GIVING THANKS" THREAD!!!

*******

Well, I have to get some bill's paid today (ugggg ) so I'm off...

Hope you all have a successful journey with your programs and your day ---
as Sami would say, "Have an OP day everyone!"

Hi friends,


Was an interesting afternoon. When I went to pick up Laura at school she asked where I was all day. I went out to lunch with some girlfriends in Augusta GA. I left my cell phone home. anyway they had a bomb scare. She called me to pick her up, but no one answered. About half the kids went home. They had dogs come in to check the kids backpacks. The kids that went home left all of there belonging in class. Those that were left were taken to the football fields to wait for the police to finish checking the school out. When they were done they could return to class. Laura said the kids and teachers where checking out others lunches to see if they had any good stuff to eat. They left thank you notes to those they enjoyed. No one snooped into backpacks. No class work got done.

~Michele~I will pray that God helps you in your job situation. Sometimes a joyful heart spreads in the work place. Initiate a good additude. Give people complements and praise. Do acts of kindness. Don't give up. Make it a good day. Make lemonade out of lemons. If you are still unhappy actively look for a better job. Don't quit untill you know you have the new job. Don't bash your old job in the interview.


~SUNNYD~ Matthew is well now. Laura and I are still sick with a bad cough. Paul is fine. Thank you for asking. I know curves is all weman. I just have not used my membership as much as I should and with all our family expenses I don't know if I can justify it. I can develop my own plan with walking, weights, and mat work. I would love to get some CS Lewis tapes and walk while listening to a book. Get some fresh air and clear all the cob webs out. When the weather gets to bad, I'll walk at the mall then shop for the sales when the stores open.

Loved your cute story. Do you have any more to share?

Yep! Here is a little something for the sports enthusiast

*******

Church Football

Quarterback Sneak - Church members quietly leaving during the invitation.

Draw Play - What many children do with the bulletin during worship.

Halftime - The period between Sunday School and worship when many choose to leave

Benchwarmer - Those who do not sing, pray, work, or apparently do anything but sit.

Backfield-in-Motion - Making a trip to the back (restroom or water fountain) during the service.

Staying in the Pocket - What happens to a lot of money that should be given to the Lord's work.

Two-minute Warning - The point at which you realize the sermon is almost over and begin to gather up your children and belongings.

Instant Replay - The preacher loses his notes and falls back on last week's illustrations.

Sudden Death - What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes "overtime".

Trap - You're called on to pray and are asleep.

End Run - Getting out of church quick, without speaking to any guest or fellow member.

Flex Defense - The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life.

Halfback Option - The decision of 50% of the congregation not to return for the evening service.

Blitz - The rush for the restaurants following the closing prayer.

Here's another cute one

*******

THE DEAD END

The pastor was talking to a group of young children about believing in Jesus and going to heaven.

At the end of his talk, he asked, "Where do you want to go?"

"Heaven!" they all piped up.

"And what do you have to be to get there?"

"Dead!", one boy yelled.

*******

That's it for tonight folks
Hope you have a much better day tomorrow MICHELE! Be thinking of you! So glad you enjoyed the jokes JUDY - happy to bring a smile into your lives.

Good Night and May God Bless!

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have some great blessing prayers for the Thankgiving feast?

My boyfriend (husband) took me out for lunch today. He is cleaning the garage today. He gets every other friday off. We have a very busy weekend so I'll post on Monday.

Hi JUDY ~ There are the Psalms

*******

Psalm 111

"Full of honor and majesty in his work,
and his righteousness endures for ever.
He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful
He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all of his precepts are trustworthy,
they are established for ever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant for ever.
Holy and terrible is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
a good understanding have all those who practice it,
His praise endures for ever!"