MEGAWATT - HUGS! Furbabies - a wonderful blessing, and an matching heartbreak. The joy is worth every bit of the sorrow, but I'm so sorry you lost your Gadget. I'm glad that at least another pup will have the lifesaving joy your family will give it.

LINDSEY - I know too little about kitties, but I ccertainly hope they find out what was wrong and she's well again soon!!

JOHNNIE - I hope you're getting closer to that mailbox every day!! I will if you will!

ANNIE - Please come to my house and give me lessons! You are my hero, as you have always been!

SHARON - Good to see you posting again! Say hi to AMMI for me! I'll try to get back and telll you more about Gabe soon. I see him every single night now, although I'm not riding as much as I should be. Too cold, and I'm a wimp.

BATTLE - Get out there and go for it! You deserve it, you're worth it, you're ready. Besides, if you don't meet a perfect guy first time around (and I believe that happens now and then, although for me it was only a quick 39 years to meet Mr. Right) it's the practicing that's half the fun. Please go for it!

For those of you who haven't decorated for Christmas yet, you aren't alone. I'm in the seasonal spirit, but haven't had any time to clean, which is required at my house before the tree goes up.

Been at the barn kissing horses and cleaning stalls every single night, tho not riding as much as I should be due to the cold and time constraints. There's supposed to be a horse show on Sunday, but it's also supposed to rain. I HATE showing in the rain! Perhaps we'll skip it and just clean house.

Diet-wise, haven't been on the straight and narrow. Today I won the early battle tho, bi-passed the poisons like donuts, toast and other evil carbs, and have written everything else down. Lean meat, SF yogurt, skim milk, veggie packed soup. Too much sodium, but that isn't my major demon, so so-far-so-good. Today I'm repeating my mantra as often as needed: I will not hurt myself today. I haven't 'exercised' in months. I've never been able to count cleaning stalls and pushing wheel barrows. So today I've decided that the treadmill is getting plugged in. More, I'm even going to get on it. And turn it on. For how long I can't say yet. I might even pick up the weights that normally hold the floor down right next to the easy chair. I'm betting if I actually pick them up to use them, that the carpet will not, in fact, start floating around the room at eye level - whudya think?

One day at a time. And today that day is... Today. Good to yack at you. It's been too long!

Hi ladies! Another great OP day for me! Thats 3 in row!!!!

BattleAx - You are all those things and the "right" man will come along and you will remain strong!

Lindsey - I sure hope your kitty is doing ok. I am an animal fanatic!! I give sooooo much to the ASPCA!

megawatt - I'm sorry about Gadget! Our neighbors dog recently died of Parvo! Good luck with Gizmo though!!! I'm so glad that you went to the pound! That is where my babies come from!

gggirls - A cruise? Yay!

Well have a great night everyone!

Catherine, I can't believe he served you that....ewwwww!! I think he did it to encourage you to get better really fast.

Battle, how did the rest of your triple threat day go? It sounds like you are doing really well.

Nancy, good for you on biting the bullet and still going for exercise. I don't know about hitting the ball towards the wall. Is there different levels to it and thats on a higher level?

Carol, You've done so well so far that you are going to look great for your trip. Did you get the snow?

Meg, don't let the diabetes get out of control. Do as your doctor tells you and as you lose more weight, you might really get it under control with food to where you won't even need the pen. Does this mean you are going to go get another puppy? Find a cutie!!

Lindsay, sorry to hear about the puddy cat. I hope it's what you are treating her for and she will be alright. There's nothing worse than having a sick furbaby and not be able to make them feel better. Take care.

Battle, I think you are going to enjoy being a new sexy you that you won't ever turn back to the fat middle aged woman. You are vibrant, exciting and shrinking!!! I'm so proud of you. It truly sounds like you are ready to live.

HI Val, good to see you back!! I don't blame ya for not wanting to ride in the cold. Just nuzzle up to those horses for warmth and give them a big kiss and a hug from he.

Today we got out there and decorated with some more lights outside. Now we have them going across the top of the house as well as around the railing of the deck. The inside is all done except to get our tree which we hope to do this weekend. Even my Mom was out there decorating her railings too. She's done her inside as well.
I've stayed OP yesterday and today pretty well. I wasn't drinking as much water either so I'm trying to get back to the gallon again. I've lost 1 lb of the 8 I've gained but will officially WI tomorrow.
Hope all is good for everyone.
Debbie

Today I am wearing a 2x sweater and size 22 pants I bought a while ago, in anticipation of fitting into them. They just fit, a little tight, but not embarrassingly so. Yay! My plan is to pick up a few items of clothing in size 20 at the after Christmas clearance sales, which I love. I have nothing to wear after the 22s become too big. I live for the after Christmas sales.

Although the scale only budged a hair, I feel I'm on the verge of another whoosh any day now. My clothes are a tiny bit looser, and my body is really really squishy and lumpy in some new places. My face looks a little different, too. I'm not loving the side effects of less fat taking up room in my skin, but what is the alternative.

Tomorrow is going to be a challenge. I'm having 7 people over for latkes. I'm planning to eat lightly during the day to save up some calories. I'm sure I'll go over my usual limit, which is fine. Just want to keep it reasonable.

-----
Valerie: I am definitely going for it when it comes to dating. I signed up for an internet dating service, but am not getting any hits except for scammers. I also signed up for a speed dating event in early January, and will report back in on the outcome. I am prepared for this to take as long as it does. I've lived most of my life as a single person, so have no fears or issues with living alone. It would just be nice at this point to be able to share my life. The important part is that I am putting myself out there and am open to possibilities.

You did well resisting the treats. It is a great perspective to think of eating those things as hurting yourself. The little child may think donut = love, but the grown up knows that love does not equal donut.

You made me laugh thinking of your weights holding down the floor. Let us know if your theory holds true, and the floor does not begin to float when you lift them.

Jar: thank you! Hope you had a good OP day today.

Debbie: I'm so happy to see that you've had a couple of OP days. Yay! And down a pound already! I'm thinking you can have more good days.

The rest of my triple threat day went well. I came in right within my calorie range. Last night's dinner partner is a food pusher I've complained about once or twice before. How nice of her to offer to *buy me* dessert when I didn't buy it for myself, and re-offer several times when I said no thanks. I like her, but this part of her is very annoying. I'm going to have a talk with her if it happens again.

Hi All

Debbie and Annie - we got your beloved snow today - it was very pretty but then turned to ice. I'll gladly share.

Battle - I love your attitude - your charisma shines through like a beacon - you are enjoying your life not just watching it pass. Your energy is electrifying. I'm sure you smile from inside out.

Lindsay - so sorry to hear about the kitty - is there any update?

A big hug to all - I'm beat tonight. Gotta get the last of my water in and head to bed.

Hugs,
Carol

Annie - your pictures are amazing - what a difference. Keep up the great work!

Hi Everyone,

It's been a whirlwind of a week for me. I think I managed a bit better this week than the past two. I did exercise at the gym only that first day. I was too tired to wake up that early on Wednesday. So, Tuesday, Wed. and today I did 1/2 hour of bike riding at home at 16 -18 mph. I am okay with it. I am hoping to go to the gym in the morning but if I am too tired then so be it. I will shoot for 2 days next week. As long as I am improving I'm okay and I truly did improve with exercise this week just by exercising every single day.

Today is my weigh in day and I am down 6 more pounds since last Thursday so I am thrilled about that. I have met my 6th 10% weight loss goal I think. I will put a new goal on my tracker tomorrow or Saturday. I think that goal will probably be 299 perhaps. I don't know maybe a "I lost 200 pounds this year" goal. I have to think about it. Tomorrow at work we are going to Lewiston which is a 3 hour drive one way. We are going there for a Christmas party. They rented a bus for all of us to go down together and have games on the bus. I am looking forward to it. Then tomorrow night is the "Big Christmas Party" at my hubby's work.

Sharon: Awww gee wiz. lol. I hope you feel better soon.

Jilly: I hope you get better too. Sorry that your review wasn't very fair. That stinks.

Donna: I don't celebrat it bu, I know you do my friend so Happy Channukkah!

Storey: Hope they get to the bottom of the dizzy spells.

Debbie: Thank you so much for the picture instructions. I posted a couple of my photos. I have to download my first before pictures onto my computer so I can paste it here. I did put in one from July of this year and the last updated one I took this week.

Carol: love, love the pics of Gracie and Gypsy! They are too cute.

Leslie: Nice tatoo!

Nancy: Hugs.

Jeanne: Sorry you are up a bit. Probably water weight.

Johnnie: I have to say I agree with what, um I can't remember who said it to you but, I agree with the fact that you hurt now but if you keep on going soon I promise I know from experience, It won't hurt! I promise!

Meta: Hugs.

Catherine: LOL, and LOL again. I love that your DH tried to feed you some healthy cole slaw with cinnamon! What a sweet gesture. lol.

Lindsey: I hope that your sweet kittie is better very soon. Hugs.

Battle: If you keep it in your head and heart that you don't want to retreat back into the safety of the fat, you won't. Just keep on talking about it if you are bothered by it. We are all here for you and I have thought of that myself so many times. Hugs.

Val: Hi my sweetie girl. I am so happy to see you posting. Thanks for the knowledge that my carpet probably won't float up without my weights on them. lol. I may just try it tomorrow.

Well, If I didn't mention you by name it surely isn't becaue I'm not thinking of you. Hugs to you all. Stay safe.
Blessings,
annie

Carol,
Thanks you are so sweet.
Blessings,
annie

Let's trumpet our horns and announce our accomplishments! I've posted a sticky to do just that and would like to invite people who've lost 100 pounds or more to submit their names to be duly celebrated!!

We can make categories for 100 pounds, 150 etc...

I won't post people's names unless they pm me themselves!

I'd also LOVE LOVE LOVE if people would share their stories. It's so inspiring. I know, I need to do it too!

Let's celebrate what we have achieved!!!!!

Hello everyone, 12/06/07
I'm trying something different this time. I don't have time to answer everyone right now, so I'm just gonna start a document page and add to it as I have time so I don't fall too far behind.


Debbie Andy likes the living room with it's new arrangement. It was a pleasant surprise.
The dogs seem to like it too cuz now they play chase around the couch. Yes, I ate some of the fudge, but it wasn't as tempting as when others make it.


Johnnie Hang in there. Your making progress every day with your baby steps. That's a victory each day!


Megawatt aboard!! So sorry to hear of you fur baby. We have 2 dogs and I don't know what we'd do without them.


Carol I LOVE beef barley soup. It's SO good. All the different textures with the barley is just wonderful. I made split pea soup last night. Yum!


Sharon I did indeed understand your pm. Just been really busy. And as far as I know your spelling was just fine. I too had a diet 7up w/lambursco. Mostly lambrusco thought. (sorry if I misspelled that)


Jilly, I totally understand how you're feeling about your review. One time I was having a horrible time grieving over a coworker who had died in a car accident. My boss said I wasn't a team player cuz of my "moping around." I got a 5 cent raise that year. (it was over 15 years ago, but it stays with you a long time.) I know you're a wonderful
hard working person.


12/07/07
Meg~ You MUST get your sugar leveled off and under control. My mom, aunt, sister and
DH all had & have diabetes.. My mom had kidney failure and was on dialysis. It was like it ate away her body. She started dialysis at 200+ pounds and died in August at 98 pounds. My aunt passed when I was a young adult. My sis and dh FINALLY keep their sugar levels under control. DH has so much more energy it's unbelievable.


Lindsey So sorry to hear about your kitty. Keep us post. My fingers are crossed!


Ax I totally understand how you're feeling. Been there and still retreating. Just go one day at a time if you have to. Sometimes that's what I do and still flub up or do well for a spell.


Val So good to see you. You have a great mantra. I love it.
Nothing new here, still up and down. But more little successes than not.
Still got bronchitis, but it's very slowly getting better.
I have to run cuz my ride will be here in a jif.
Hope all have an op day, to all.

Morning all! No time for personals, but wanted to share my "straying" from yesterday. Turns out that when I'm stuck in a room with amazing bakery goods for hours and hours, that I lack willpower! Several times!! Yummy food, but I didn't need pastry for lunch!

Today's a new day. Hopefully one without pastry.

Annie woohoooo! Good job on that 6# loss! You rock!

Morning all - the scale is starting to budge a little - it is so difficult to watch it stay the same when I have been OP. Although I know my pattern is to stay the same for several days and then one day the scale just doesn't go as high as it had previously. I struggled a little last night but have today planned out. Things are busy trying to live life in winter and pack for summer, not to mention all the loose ends we need to take care of so things are OK around here with the girl dogs.

I've been thinking about my cruise eating and not just completely letting go. I will enjoy some of the foods I am not familiar with and use this as an opportunity to taste test for free some foods I have wanted to try - specifically different types of fish and fruit. Living in the midwest there are not a lot of fresh choices at times - particularly fish. I believe my stomach is shrunk enough that I will not be able to eat huge quantities even of the wrong things. That being said I plan to enjoy, sample and not overdo it and come home without a gain. The alcohol will be more difficult to stay away from as it will be nice to relax and have a few cocktails which are such empty calories. Good choices are my plan.

Heather - I wish they would quit making those talking pastries for meetings. Sometimes it makes it difficult to hear whats going on because the pastries are so loud. Hope today is better.

Sandy - great to see you - maybe they will have split pea soup for me to try - it always sounds so good but I must admit have never tried it. Do you have a recipe you could send me - perhaps I will be brave and try it. Hope you have a great day.

Hugs to all,
Carol

Annie...Love, love, love your pictures! There is a clear and definite difference. Congrats on your 6th 10% goal. That's the one I'm working on now!

Carol - I love your planned approach to your cruise food. It's a very special holiday, and enjoying the food should definitely be a part of the experience and your memories. Eating rather than overeating is so much more pleasurable. Hope you have a wonderful time!

Battle - You do so, so well navigating all the social eating your lifestyle requires. Really - I'm very impressed. Yay on the size 20 goal pants and your tidal wave of compliments.

Sandy - Glad to see you here and holding steady.

Everybody have a great day!

I can finally stand long enough on crutches to use the blender, so at least I can make protein shakes now, no more hot dogs. So you can imagine my first day back OP, I spent it in the bathroom. How much freaking water can a person actually hold? Plus getting up and down is hard, so I'd almost wait too long. Today, I think I'm just going to stay in the bathroom. Seems to make more logistical sense. I'd make a longer post, but need to go again.