The scales where good to me this week...I lost 2 pounds..it's been a long time. 157 Now to just keep it off. The biggest difference and no I told ya so's...LOL has been breakfast. Almost everyday I've been having 1/2 cup plain yogurt with either half a pear or 3 strawberries and 1/2 a packet of splenda. I missed it this morning but only because I've been so busy online.

Bob...I bet you will be back to 100 percent pretty soon with that bad tooth out. I'm glad they found it.

Colleen...I am so sorry to hear about your baby. Both your son and your pup. That has to make for a tough week. Hang in there and know you are in my prayers. ((Colleen))

Poncho...Good job on your paper.

Vmoore...woo hoo on the new low!!!!!!!!!! you are doing so good.

Jack-K...you amaze me woman. Awesome on your walking. Hope you have the tubes out soon so you can get back to more of the things you want to do.

Deb...sending love and hugs your way.

Everybody...YOU are AWESOME! Each of you is special.

Love,
Crystle

235/157/140

Nat, I keep forgetting to tell you, my niece has her daughter on a gluten free, dairy free and something else, but she orders a lot of stuff from an online site called www.glutenfreepantry.com. She also said that there is some good information on that site as well. Let me know if you have questions, I could hook you up with her and I'm sure she'd be happy to give you any other info. Their daughter has done so much better on that diet, it's amazing. She's a little trooper about it. They were at Disney not too long ago and stayed on the property at one of the hotels there. She called ahead and actually got to talk to the chef. He made sure that there was stuff for Gabrielle to eat and made the entire experience very special for her.

Trish

Colleen: I am so sorry to hear that you have such drastic things happening in your life right now. I understand how important our fur babies are to us and how awful it is when something happens. My two cats are seniors now and I feel blessed for every day with them. I hope life starts treating you better.

Shirley: Your report of the weekend events was great. I think you said it all very well. I do need to add to the group that Shirley was working on a complicated project with her needling and I had a very simple one, so, that explains about the "No Problem" issue. Thanks, Shirley, for the nicer "Bead" title.

Debbie: We did miss you and Bob at the get together. Thank you for sending the coffee and other goodies. As usual, you think of others even when you are down yourself.

Missy: Such good news about your parade getting to roll. Did you have a good time? Did you throw good stuff to "Bead Queens"?

Pancho: Yes, reality has a way of intruding quickly. I bet you experienced the same thing when you returned from your vacation.

Califgirl: Welcome, welcome to this board. I bet you will fit right in and gets lots of useful information and support.

I am suppose to be making out a grocery list for my "kids" visit, so, I'd better get busy.

Oh! I forgot to tell you all, I actually was brave enough to weigh this morning and.....I didn't gain any. It must have been the walks with Mary and the bead catching activities.

Hey Hey Hey!

I'm up and moving and washing some serious clothes today! I have to admit that I'm still in my pjs though! HA! Don't think that I'm going to report WIW - actually I didn't even get on the scale cause I don't want to see! I have got to have at least 10 pounds of booze in me! Good Lord!

We did have one downer yesterday. My friends mom has been in the hospital for 6 weeks and she died yesterday morning. Her boyfriend came to get her off of the float before we started to roll. We were all crying and felt so bad for her. The only positive is that her mom isn't suffering any more. She was having so many problems and now she is at peace. I just feel bad for my friend and her family.

I just have to say again how much I enjoyed our get together! You all have no idea how wonderful these ladies are! We had such a good time laughing and cutting up. I can't wait to have my pictures developed. I'll bring them today when I decide to get dressed!

SEF: Thanks again for the beautiful picture that you cross stitched for my house. I love it! I will think of you each and every time I look at it on my wall! I got such a kick out of you and my dad talking about the Southern Comfort...I bet he'll be looking for the 100 proof soon! HAHA! I didn't know until Tuesday that your car got egged! I can't believe that! That kind of stuff normally doesn't happen around here - well, at least - it hasn't happened since I grew up! I will need you to e-mail me your address. You left a small picture album here that I want to mail back to you. We'll get together again soon!

MELF: Please post the pictures that you get on that website with the album. I can't see any of the pictures that you posted here because nothing shows up as a thumbnail - I just have an empty box. I really want to see all of the party pics! I really enjoyed watching you at the parades too! You were just as much of a Bead Ho as Lyn! HAHA! You were up there workin it like you were an old Mardi Gras Pro! Thanks again for the precious Mardi Gras Bear for my curio cabinet - now each year I'll have a reminder of the fun we had this weekend!

TRISH: Girl...what can I say other than I think we are twins! HAHA! If me, you, and BOB would be together it wouldn't be anything nice! We would tear up the place and Big Lover wouldn't have a chance! Thanks again for the SLAH glasses! I love them! It was a shame that you had to leave early monday and you couldn't see me in full force - I was a pitiful sight! You would have gotten a good laugh at my expense! I look forward to our next meeting when we can tear up the town again!! Oh yeah....I think it was you that left the wine...or was it Lyn? I'm going to give that to Dad & Carolyn since we aren't big wine drinkers and they are!! Thanks!!

BEAD HO: I'm so glad that you made it home safely! When I was unpacking my stuff yesterday for the parade I thought of you each time I found a pretty bead. Then I thought.....it's a good thing the Bead Ho isn't here cause then I wouldn't have anything to throw! You would have taken them all! HAHAHAHA! Thanks again for the beautiful clock. I love it...the design is beautiful. Honestly, I have never seen a clock like that before...it's very unique. Let's get together again soon!!!!

And...last but not least...

JACKIEO: Girl....you are a riot! You have such a great attitude and sense of humor! I just know that you'll be coming back to town to hunt down Big Lover and have him serenade you. Really, come any time you want!! We would love to have you and I'll let you know when we are going to the city to see our friends...which will hopefully be soon. Thanks again for the Norm's gift certificate...you know we'll put that to good use!


DEB: I'm so glad that you called us throughout the weekend! Also, thanks for all the goodies. I ate a piece of the cheesecake this morning and it was devine! You were right....if I could only slap a little graham cracker crust under it - it would be even more perfect! I sure wish that you could have been here with us - we will do it again though and you will be here! Thanks for the soap rock...do you use it like regular soap? I've never had one of those before.

TEENSY: SO sorry to hear about all of your trauma this weekend. Keep us posted on the progress of your 2 babies. I'm sure everything will be fine.

OK - I'm running out of here! I'll be back later to check in!

Love ya
Missy

Hey Everybody!!! I have really missed you all these past few days. Had a SUPER time at the get together and can't wait until the next one. I am very depressed this morning because I weighed and I was 5 pounds heavier. I guess I deserve them considering I went crazy with my eating. We were laughing at how it was supposed to be the Sugarbusters get together and all we were doing was "busting up some sugar". I am back on track today and trying to forgive myself for those 5 pounds.

Missy- Thanks again for everything you did for us. We had the best time. I am so glad I got to see Big Lover at the karaoke. What a hoot. I guess some of those 5 pounds came from the appetizer platter at Norms. "You ordered WHAT?". Talk to you soon. I am already planning my next visit to the Loupe Lodge.

Sef- It was really nice meeting you and riding up together. You are a very sweet lady and I look forward to seeing you again. Hope your trip from my house to yours was Ok. How are you feeling?

Lyn- I really enjoyed meeting you and hanging out with you while you engaged in your obsessive packing. HAHA. It was nice to hear about your family and finally be able to place a face with a name. For the record, I never thought you were a bead ho. I always knew it was all about the EYE CONTACT. You were so much fun to hang out with. I apologize if I looked stupid at the mexican restaurant following my margarita acquired stupor. I have ZERO TOLERANCE. Keep up the great work with sugarbusters. You really look fabulous!!

Mary- It was a real pleasure to meet you and your crab quiche rocked!!!!You were the SB inspiration of the trip with your adherence to on plan eating and getting up daily to walk (Lyn too). I apologize if I skipped you during Phase 10, but I was desperate!!!!!!!

Trish- Girl, you are so much fun to hang out with. I really had a good time chatting with you "one on one" at norms. I hope we can hang out together soon. Maybe I will come to Austin. Hope you had a safe trip back. Hope you are also back on plan with me. NO MORE CHEX MIX!!!!!!

Deb- I so wish I could have met you. I was glad I got a chance to speak to you on the phone while at the Loupe Lodge. Thanks so much for the coffee and for helping to fuel my addiction. I hope to meet you soon!!!!

JackK- I really wish you could have been there. I missed you. Hope to see you soon!!!

CountryMom, teensy, and Nat- I MISSED "chatting" with you. can't wait to catch up be reading all of last wekks posts. Talk to you soon.

Hi ladies

Reading the accounts of the weekend party make you feel like you were there. Glad it was fun. Hope to make the next one.

This is a drive thru- Sorry.

Went to dr. He did remove the one tube and stitches in my belly button. But I will have to have some surgery Monday to fix a small part of my boob that is not healing. Dreading that.

My friend took me to lunch and to church. We walked around the mall awhile too.

I am tired and DH just got home. Got to get dinner going. See you all tomorrow.

Gator, flat tires are bad enough, but then in the rain. Glad you had AAA. Congrats gettin into that new skirt and the 160's.

Pancho, is the Paraben in deoderant? I have read about a link between deoderant and breast cancer. I told my girls to quit using antipersperants and just use plain deoderant.

Lynn, I have a huge bags of beads from 3 trips to NO. My DD put some in bottles as decorations. Glad you all had a great time. WTG not gaining any wt.

Missy, so glad you got to ride. Also glad you are sober!

Sef, what a wonderful account of your weekend. Felt like I was there. Terry is a cutie isn't he?

Melf, thanks for more info on the trip. I'm glad you got some beads too. Sounds like a blast.

Teensy, you porr thing. Prayers for your DS> Hope things go ok for him. Sounds pretty bad to me. Also prayers for you and your puppy. It is a horrible thing to experience. But you don't want him to suffer. Hang in there.

VMoore, congrats on the 2 lbs. You are on your way.

Pancho, that is interesting about the rice milk. I will pass that one on. Good job getting all that exercise in.

Cherylco, hoping your DD does not have mono.

Califgirl, thanks for the info on you. Nice to get to know people. Make time to exercise, it really helps tone up what you lose.

County, I'm sooo glad the scales moved for you. Now you are 1 under me. Gotta work harder to catch up.

Ashley, Big Lover??? spill your guts.

Jackie

I haven't been posting becasue I had a stomach thing, which seems to have just about worked it's way out. Finally! I skimmed thru posts, sounds like the NOLA contingent did just fine with their get-together, and the pics were great! DH and I went away last weekend too, did some swing dancing, learned some new steps. I finally found some yogurt, Carb Countdown by Dannon, the portions are small, but it's sweetened with Splenda, so should be fine. ALso filled out all the financial aid forms for the kids for college and mailed them today. Also mailed one deposit check for eldest DS. I'll post more tomorrow, I hope to get back on the treadmill after being off for a couple days with this bug, and I'm scrapbooking too, plus making dinner. Back to work!

Barbara
270/219/135

Hey guys. I'm not even getting on the scales. Shirley and Mary, thanks so much for posting the details of our adventures. And yes, Ashley, I'm back on the wagon. In fact, for Lent, I'm giving up all the "little cheats" that I was allowing myself to have. You know, that 1 margarita, those few little chips, that durned bread at Outback!!

All I can say is that it's a good thing that Missy and I don't live any closer to each other. We were definitely a bad influence on each other

Breakfast was a 1/2 pb&j. Had salad and lentil soup for lunch. Tonight is chicken breasts, brown rice and some kind of veggie.

Oh, yeah, did I tell ya'll that while I was gone, Seth scammed the neighbors out of a trampoline??? The neighbors are moving and didn't want their trampoline anymore so Seth asked if he could have it. Joe told him if he could get it home, he could have it. So he rounded up his buddies and they rolled it down the street.

Gotta scoot. Talk to you guys later.

Trish

Hi guys:

I plan to get some of Lane's 18-month pictures in the mail tonight, considering she is now going on 20 months.

Not much to report, so I'll jump into replies.

cheryl: I sent the paper to you. I hope your dd doesn't have mono. How is she doing overall? Is the counseling going well?

califgirl: The baby-making did it to me as well. Last March, I was 152#'s, and my youngest was 8-mos. old. I am 5'4". People kept telling me that I looked good for "just" having a baby. Well, my baby was going to be 1-year old soon, and I knew I had to do something. I have lost 32#'s and 22" since last March and have kept it off for the past 3-4 mos. I am now 120-122#'s and have never felt better. Hang in there, and it will happen for you as well!!!

Country: I am so happy that you finally dropped a few pounds, maybe they'll start going down now. I won't say I told you so, even though I am tempted .

Trishaloo: You are so sweet. Thank you so much for the info. I will definately check it out. I may get that info. from you down the road, so I can be in touch with your dd. So nice of Disney to accommodate; I will keep that in mind. Jump on that trampoline; it is awesome exercise, and a great leg toner.

Yellow: Glad you didn't gain!!!

Fruit: So sorry about your DF's mom; I am glad she is no longer hurting.

JackieO: I'm sure some of that weight is water weight. STick to your guns and buckle down, and I am sure you will be down at least 2-3 by next WIW.

Jack-K: Sorry you have to go back in for surgery; I hope this is it for you! Yes, parabens are found in deodorants, as well as lotions, make-ups, and lots of other stuff. I get my deodorant at the health food store, that way I also avoid the aluminum and other junk that's in the others. It is worth the extra money, and I think it works well. I get one called Liken (something)...it is in a white container with orange and green writing, but there are a lot to choose from. My DH even uses it and it works for him. Just check the ingredients, and make sure that polyparaben is not anywhere in the ingredients panel. Once my lotions and other things are used up, I will be replacing with everything from the health food store! Let us know how the surgery goes for you! I will pray for a quick easy procedure and recovery.

Wood: Glad you are feeling better.

I plan to go to the gym while Britt is in school tomorrow, Lane forbid. I then am going to Whole Foods with my mom on Friday.

I haven't told my DH, and probably won't, but I think I am going to cut my hair; it is well below my shoulder now, and I have always had long hair, but I am getting sick of it; I pull it up everyday...so why bother. I have an appt. for next Saturday. I thought about donating my hair, but I've had it weaved, so I don't think anyone will take it. I have been looking through magazines, and Lisa Rinna has a cut that I love, even though it wouldn't look like that on me; she has huge luscious lips and big eyes....but I like the cut anyway...we'll see what I decide to do. I need to just be bold, and if I don't like it, it will grow back, right? Right!

Well, I better go throw dinner in the oven...salmon casserole... don't ask...I'm just gonna throw some stuff together and throw it in the oven.

See ya!

Take care,
Nat

I was hoping to report a loss today, but scale has not budged. The good side of that is at least it is not higher for which I am grateful. I am OP & exercising daily, so I know I can expect a loss sooner or later.

I did go to work out tonight on my way home from work. Did a 19 min mile on the TM, then 2.5 miles on the bike/10 min, 10 min on stairmaster, & did 25 reps for lower back strenghtening & 25 reps pull with 40lb. I'm pooped!

Ok, I went back & read all the posts today so here are a few replies:

Deb, both MM were really great & applies to me personally for sure! The Probably & Possible. My attitude lately had been one of self pity & defeat but that has changed. My attitude now is that I have made this happen before & can certainly do it again because I want it! I deserve it & I'm going to obtain it because I have made a new committment to myself to exercise & get back OP. I am heading in the right direction again and even though I may fail at times, I will keep going in the right direction. As Idblond said in her MM, "A positive self-image is critical to our recovery." It's when we let our self-image get negative that we allow ourselves to fail.

Pancho, congrats on the SB paper you wrote for your class! Sounds like you did a super job on it! WTG!! Poor Britt, hope she doesn't have to give up too many of her favorites because of those allergies!

vmoore, hope your son Dylan is feeling better & that your visit with your parents go well. sorry I failed to put the names on the group picture. I will when I repost them in an online album. WTG on the 20 lb loss so far. That is great!

Jack-k, I do love your optimistic attitude! You go girl. That's why you are such a winner! You're walking & doing so much soooo fast it seems like. Sounds like you are trying to do too much too fast, but if the doc ok's it, then WTG girl! Sorry to hear that you need a patch job. Hope it's not tooo bad.

Beth, WTG on being OP! I don't drink enough water either. I keep trying but fail most days.

Heartmom, that's the right attitude to have. We must keep going. You can do it!

califgirl, Hi! so glad you have found the board. This is a great place to get info & encouragement. Buying that book will change your life. This is a wonderful WOE that you can live with.

BOB, glad they found your problem & got rid of that abcessed tooth for you. Hope it continues to improve.

cherylco , Did I miss something? You said "As a matter of fact, I usually have a basket of clothes on my couch in need of folding (It's hard to fold with one hand) and they always fold for me" Is your mom still doing SB? Haven't noticed her on the board lately, or did I just miss her posts?

chrisd, We have a curves in the next town & I was about to give it a try, but DH said we could join the health club down the road, so for a little more, we have a family membership there & we're both working out. I have heard good things about Curves, though. Hope you enjoy & get the results you're looking for.

Gator, congrats on getting down to the 160's & fitting into that skirt. How long will you be staying in France?

Lyn, hope your mammo went well & good report to come your way. Enjoy your DD's visit! Praying for Ray to go through surgery without any problems. Oh, glad to hear that you did not show a gain today!! WTG!!

Missy, The drive to Thibodeux is not bad at all! I had not been in that area in soooo long. Didn't realize that it was 4 lanes all the way (except hyw 20). Glad you had the day off today to recouperate. My dh couldn't get over the nice beads I had brought home. He asked did you make the ones you gave us or were they store bought? I need to take a pic of them & post it also. Working on getting the pics up. Hopefully as soon as I get this posted, I'll be able to do them.

Ashley, Phase 10 was lots of fun! Too bad we didn't get a chance to finish the game. I think I want to get the game for my GS & of course I'll have to play with them to teach them the game Glad you liked the quiche. I think the recipe is a keeper. Will try to post it soon. Do you have a recipe for your jambalya? Is it on the board?

Shirley, couldn't help but LOL when I read your post out loud to Thurman last night & again as I read it today to get some replies done while I'm at work. Your posts always seem to lift my spirits especially when I'm down, which I am NOT now. I've been riding high since our partay. I am encouraged that I was able to abstain from some of the illegal stuff & although the scale did not reflect all the walking I've been doing, I do feel better because of it. I am still sore, but not as bad as Monday. I did go & work out tonight at the spa. I will try to type up the quiche recipe tomorrow at work & post it tomorrow night. Catch up on your rest lady. Can't have you run down.

Colleen, So sorry to hear about all that you are having to cope with right now. Brant must be your son? Hope all goes well with his surgery & that the healing process will not be as painful as it all sounds. My heart goes out to you for your Bassethound. Although I am not a person to get attached to pets, I certainly can relate to the loss you must be feeling since you have had him for so long. Praying for you to have strenght in these difficult days.
][b]Country,[/b[ WTG on the 2 lb loss! Looks like the yogart is doing the trick, huh?

On a brighter note, my DD that lives in Dayton, TX called me a few minutes ago to tell me the wonderful news that her dh who has been without a job the past 14 months has just been hired & will start a new job tomorrow am. He has been at ITT in Houston to get a degree in computer tech & it has finally paid off. He's almost finished with his school, enough to land a great job. What a relief for everyone concerned. My poor DD has been struggling & trying to make ends meet, baby sitting, cleaning houses & the church, even started selling Mary Kay which is going really well, but sil getting a job will sure help. She had been concerned about loosing their home & has done all she could to keep that from happening. She is now

OK Girls, I have all the pics uploaded in an online album. Sorry I did not get to add a title/description of all of them, but did most.

http://www.msnusers.com/SugarBusterGals/shoebox.msnw

Loved all the photos...thanks for putting them online and sharing. Ya'lls good times really come through in the photos.

Nat...if you cut your hair take a picture. I know the style you are talking about and it's neat. My daughter cut her hair a few months back and she was able to donate it to locks of love even though it was frosted. She just took a picture of the back of mine today. I'm trying hard to let it grow way out..it's almost to my waist. The bangs are growing out also but that is just scary. I don't like so much of my face showing.

Jack-K...I am so sorry that you have to have more surgery. Do you know how long you will have to stay in the hospital?

Melf..I am so happy for your daughter. I know that has to be a major relief for her.

Yellow...WTG not gaining any weight. That's a feat when you are having such a great time.

Trish..I hope I can get my go no where hinny to your part of Texas sometime and meet you. I'm almost a hermit...LOL

JackieO...it's probably water and will be gone after a couple days of flushing out your system.

Barbara..hope you feel better soon. ((hugzz))

It's past my bedtime and a good book is calling my name.

Night all..Love,
Crystle