How exciting... Not only to be under 200 pounds, but also close to the 100 mark. A double celebration for sure.

You promised and I believe you. Welcome back.

Me too. Too funny!

Thank you Lisa for starting this thread and congrats on your WI today, very cool indeed!

I can't tell you how nice this new thread is going to be. I've been loosing interest as of late on the daily post because all that is going on there. It's nice to hang out with those who feel like I do. This isn't always easy, but we are all hanging in and really doing amazing. I keep being reminded of the phrase, "You have to walk the walk and talk the talk."

Well said! I'm eating braised cabbage for lunch with 2 oz chicken & an IP packet later. Never thought I would look forward to THAT at lunch, but here we are!

After you read what someone writes for so long you begin to know that person through their words. I have become to know quiet a few on here, and enjoy chatting with everyone....Thank you

EXACTLY, that is why you can't be disappointed when you have small losses or no losses at all. Its NOTHING you do, its your BODY holding on!

AMEN!!!!

I agree. I thought it was just me. It was getting exhausting reading all the negative posts and thoughts of "how do I cheat and have it not count". Ummmmm you can't. That's how we all got here in the firast place, right? The word that keeps popping in my mind is INTEGRITY. Yes, no one is perfect, but you have to TRY to live with integrity and the intent to do the right thing, whether that be for yourself, or for others.

Ok, off the soapbox.... Enjoy your day!

I am happy to see this thread. I have been 100% OP and am 100% committed to stay 100% OP. I look forward to being a part of this thread.

Pamelama - How do you make braised cabbacge? It sounds yummy.

I love that!! So pretty. You might have to get it bigger to be able to read what you want it to say, but it is pretty.

I'm glad Gail is gone too! She was SO SO getting on my nerves. I was worried about Chris for a minute, I like her. Conda bugs me, but I think she is all talk and attitude because no one's ever stood up to her before, she seems to put the work in, without it she couldn't have lost 10lbs.

We have them too here at Wal-Mart, Publix, and the commissary. I've only ever seen the salad dressings, but they're there. Our stores all have them in the refrigerated section so it might be worth checking out there too if you're looking for them elsewhere.

I want to share my Mantra: If it's to be, it's up to me!

Today has been an unusually hard day for me...my daughter's anniversary was on Monday. She died at birth, my perfect wonderful baby didn't have a chance to take a breath or open her eyes. She was born still at full term due to a knot in the umbilical cord. She would have been 6 years old this year, and as the years go by, the waves don't crash as hard, but once in a while, the tide comes in and it knocks me to my knees.

Today was that day. I was good on Monday, usually around her anniversary I am super busy with my now 5 year old little boy, who brought more joy and healing that he will ever know...and my busy and amazing 10 year old....but I take time to remember her, pause in prayer, and talk about her. And every year, I can count on it now...NOONE calls me, texts me, emails me....NOTHING. My husband of course remembers and holds me as I cry, but not even my mom or my mother in law, phone me or anything. Its hurtful, it's like they have totally forgotten about her. She is their grandchild, they celebrate all of the other grandkids but on this ONE DAY a year, I would like a phone call to say, "I miss her" . I want someone to ask me how I'm doing, tell me they wonder what she would be like, what her personality would be like, and just basically support us in our loss through the years.

I'm not sure why I'm posting this here, I just feel that I needed to talk about it and you all are a safe place for me. I've been spot OP since I restarted and I will continue to be. I don't want to eat....I just want to cry.... and wish my family would remember. But then I remember my mantra "If it's to be, it's up to me". No more feeling sorry for myself, I will continue to remember her everyday and celebrate her anniversary. Life does go on, and she left many many blessings for us. The biggest one was to thank God daily for each blessing and enjoy life. And that is why IP is saving my life, so I can enjoy and LIVE!

Thanks for listening.

It's definitely a "plan ahead" recipe, but soooo worth it.

Preheat oven to 325. Lightly spray large (9x13) baking pan.

Peel off bruised or ragged layers of cabbage. Cut into 8 wedges. Arrange wedged in baking dish without crowding or won't braise. (sometimes I use 2 pans).
Drizzle 1 tbs olive oil over cabbage, add 1/4 cup chicken stock or water to pan. Sprinkle with s&p. Cover tightly with foil or tight fitting lid and bake in oven 1 hour. Turn the cabbage wedges after 1 hour, wedges may fall part when turned. If needed, add a few tbs of water..should not be dry. Replace foil and return to oven.

Bake 35-45 min longer or until really tender. Serve warm or @ room temp. Yummy!

You know, I use the formula that I'mSvelting devised and Pxlkitty refined, the one at the beginning of the Daily thread, but I just can't get it to work for me. If anyone has any further refinements, boy! they sure would be appreciated. I can't tell you how many times I've looked for the Exercise thread to bump!!!

oh mompattie...I can only imagine how you're feeling and yet I know there are no real words to help you have a better day...grief is a tough process...you made me cry, I ache for you...

Wow mompattie, I'm sorry for your loss and your sense of emotional isolation at this time of year.

I was going to post about how stressed I am at work and that I keep repeating "I will stay on plan," and your post helps bring things back into perspective.

Take care.

I too am going to be on 100% ....... thank you for saying "I know it is hard, but not impossible" - I posted that on my board at work.

We can do this !!!!!!!!!!!!!

And wuv... you are an inspiration - thank you

AGREE! You success is amazing and drives me! I want to be taller, skinner, prettier!

Oh mompattie, I'm tearing up reading your post. I'm so sorry you and your family had to go through that heartbreak. I think it's perfectly fine to remember her and cry. My dear friend went thru something similar (it's been 14 years) and she said it profoundly changed her but gave her a new appreciation of life and "new blessings".

In my extremely humble opinion, I would like to offer that your family hasn't forgotten her. Sometimes people avoid their pain and devastation by not acknowledging it. What's important is what you already said, YOU remember everyday and she is alive in you, your husband and your beautiful children.

God Bless!

Pam