NoLife, I wish you all the luck for your interview on Friday. Yes, definitely study the papers you need to clinch the deal!! Yes, Gabe's papa IS beautiful, but I'm sure Gabe is a looker too!!!

Annie, I try to keep myself busy when I start to think about my son and it seems to be helping. I have a puzzle, painting birdhouses, and ugh...the dreaded exercise. I actually got 45 mins on the treadmill today. O your poor lil tummy! I didn't realize it was the gastric bypass. The clothing exchange sounds great and a way to score!! And it's wonderful how you can chip in when you lose more weight. Keep at it, I'm very proud of you.

Battle, it is sort of mind boggling when people don't notice your weight loss. Just don't give up. You're doing it for you and no one else. You can see the difference and that's all that matters. I'm sure that soon they will all do a double take and notice.

Catherine, thanks for the advice, I'll have to try that on him. If you don't mind me asking, where are you traveling to?

Donna, you are so right about love making one deaf and dumb.

Peggy, for staying OP!!

GoingToLose, come on girl!! Don't give up!! Get yourself prepared. It helps so much to know what you are going to be eating ahead of time. How did your chicken turn out?

Ratkity, you are so right!! We can do this and we will. You motivate me with your bike riding and I'm glad I can do the same for you. Sisters in motivation... Those 3 lbs will be gone in no time!!

Hi, Heather, Luan, Lindsay, Peggy, Story, Ammi, Nancy, and the rest of the gang!

Today was a good day. Stayed OP, even exercised. I'm getting pretty far on my puzzle too. It's a tuff one. I have to get my buns outside and clean out my gardens before the rains and the new programs on tv start...LOL.
Have a great night!!
Debbie

Debbie-We are going to Toronto September 25th for 4 days, I think. There's a conference and a meeting he's supposed to talk at. It's being paid for by the company that makes the drug that he takes. He talks to regional sales reps and doctors about what the medicine feels like, side affects, and they ask me the same type of things. So they pay for everything from soup to nuts so to speak. They are putting us up at the biggest hotel in Canada. I just hope we don't end up on the 27th floor. I am afraid of heights. In October, the Government is flying us to Ottawa so he can get his medal. We have two trips to Banff in November for conferences and meetings. It's after summer golf season, and before the ski high season, so there are lots of meeting there then. We also have a provincial meeting in Calgary this fall, that I'm not sure when it is. It might conflict with one of the Banff trips, and if it does, we will have to go to Calgary. It's hard to say no when everything is paid for. We have to get a ride to one of the Banff things, but other than that, it's all covered. I've never been to Ottawa or Toronto, so that will be nice. I've been through Calgary on the way to other places, but never got to stop really. While he is in his meetings, I watch cable (we don't have it at home) and do my school work. When I need a break, I walk in the neighborhood. There's a bus in Banff that takes you to the downtown area, and in towns, there is usually a shopping mall nearby.

Well, after nearly having a panic attack because I was feeling overwhelmed, I figured the best way to deal with it was to enroll in an extra class. I'm actually going to take 9 hours this semester. I decided to add Introduction to Moral Theology. I haven't lost my mind. I'm actually excited. It's only 10 lessons long, and I file all the assignments online with the college, so it's not going to take that much extra work, but I really wanted to take this one first, and just found out today that they added it. The only problem I'm having with my classes is the last one for my BA, not my masters classes. He's not used to doing it long distance, and I asked for a syllabus and book list 6 weeks ago because I knew that it might take awhile to get my books here. He waited until the last minute, and guess what? my books won't be here for at least a month. In the meantime, I'm using the one book out of the 17 for the course that I could get in the library here. The syllabus is practically non-existent and very disorganized. Some of it is illegible. With my head injury, having things organized and properly planned out keeps me from panicking. He is the opposite of what I needed, but I've basically decided to relax about it. It is the last class, as long as I pass, I get my degree.

Morning My Chickies!

I am making sure that I *post* everyday as I seem to do better when I am checking in and being more accountable. Anyway.......took a 30 mins walk again yesterday. The sneaks and IPod are in my bag for work and I will get another one in today.

I am down to my ticker weight again...thankfully! Now...its time to get moving DOWN again!! I will be seeing family at Thanksgiving that I have not seen since the week before I started this new healthy lifestyle. They don't even know (except my mom) that I have made such changes. I didn't *share* that with them because I didn't want anyone watching what I eat, etc. When someone asks what I am doing I say "I eat whatever I want and I move more". I usually get a "Huh?" response. LOL!

I will be reading later. Have a great OP day everyone!!

catherine~ I just got back from Ottawa a couple of weeks ago. It was my second trip there. Beautiful city. I have also been to Toronto a couple of times now. I love Toronto for the arts that are there but Ottawa is smaller and easier to get around in by car.

Good Morning!

Happy New Year to those of us celebrating!


Catherine: OH MY GOSH WOMAN...only you could add another class when you are feeling overwhelmed!!! I am glad it was one you were looking for, but sheesh!!! I wish I had your stamina. Even without any head trauma, I still couldn't do it. You never stop amazing me. It sounds like you married a pretty special guy to begin with, and he has all of Canada to agree with you! Enjoy the traveling...I personally love it. ESPECIALLY if someone is paying for it! It is an exciting adventure!!


Lesley: Great minds think alike!! We are now even in the fur-baby department-5 humans to 5 pets. You forget how insane these kitties can get! Jack is trying to be the alpha cat, but I don't think it is going to work. Although, I am happy to report that Oreo(the next youngest) seems to be warming up to him, and is starting to play. The other 2 aren't having any of it. And Brittney just wants to give him a big wet kiss, but he is still scared of her, although very curious. I love it when he tries to be all big and his tail goes pffft!! He even squints his eyes when he is trying to figure things out...so adorable!! Ok, I'll stop bragging like a new mama!


Uh oh...I just saw the time...gotta run Scott to work...BBL!

Hello All,

Sorry I didn’t get to post yesterday. My routine was put right out of kilter because I didn’t have to get up early, so I didn’t So that put my time table off, and it wasn’t helped by the fact that I had to take Beth to the doctors after school . I managed to do all of my exercise and got some housework done, but just didn’t have much Internet time. Anyway here I am now.

I am pleased to say that it’s now Thursday and I have been 100% OP, even having a couple of days where I haven’t used up all of my points. I’ve exercised at least 100 minutes each day, and I am feeling so great. I am BACK on the wagon and I am not getting off

Peggy - I am the same as you, I feel so much better when I do exercise regularly. Well done on having an OP days, doing all that walking and hiking too. I hope today is just as successful for you.

Heather - I’m glad you had a laugh about the wasp, you won’t believe the rest of the story. I flicked my sweat towel at it, and I have no idea what happened to it after that. When I finished my work out I went and had my breakfast, then I washed the dishes, had a cup of tea, and when I went to the fridge to put the milk away all of a sudden a wasp fell onto the floor. It wasn’t dead, but it had obviously fallen and I am positive it must have been caught up somewhere on me, maybe in the turn ups of my exercise pants Daren is terrified of wasps as he is allergic to their sting, so he freaked out at the thought that he had given me a hug when I may have had a wasp on me

Donna - I cannot believe how different your house looks, it’s gone from an old fashioned cute house to a really stunning, modern looking home. You’d never dream it was the same place. Are you thrilled with how it’s turned out?

I loved the pics of your new kitty too, he is such a sweety, I love his colour

Thanks for your assurances that I will fit on the rides, I think over here a lot of the rides are quite old and don’t cater for the bigger person. The new rides fit a girth of 54” which I know I will fit on, but I want to fit on them ALL. I don’t want any restrictions. I’ve got a lot of flabby skin, so I have images of me getting on a ride and tucking all the fat in so that I fit

Patti - I am so glad to hear that you have your willpower back, it’s great to feel in control again doesn’t it. You will be tested on your next road trip, so that you stay so determined to keep OP. I know you can do it

Metachick - you are in Twotown Welcome, enjoy, and look forward to carrying on down those scales and getting into the 100s 141 lbs lost is so amazing. I stalled at 111, but I am hoping to keep on moving down those scales myself.

BattleAx - I’m sorry that you were having a bad day the other day when the enormity of your weight loss journey got to you a bit. Even with the weight I have lost it’s still hard to appreciate it fully because I am still Obese. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’ll get there, and so will you. I bet if you posted a before and current photo of yourself we would all notice all those lbs you have lost because let’s face it, you can’t lose that much and it not be noticeable.

Story - sounds like you had a lovely time at the beach, and I was so pleased to hear how you found it much easier than in the past to walk as much as you did. It’s a great feeling isn’t it!

Sorry to hear that you are losing some of your hair. I hope you’ll be able to find out the cause and stop it happening, either with a change of meds or whatever it takes

Valerie - Sharon is STILL having terrible problems getting her Internet up and running. I am sure she’ll explain it all when she gets back on online which hopefully won’t be too much longer. She broke her toe in the summer and had to come off the liquid diet. She gained a bit of weight back, but she’s back on the diet now and am sure by the time she does post herself she’ll have lost that weight and some more

Good luck with the job at the hospital? What will you be doing if you get it? I’ve always fancied working in a hospital, I like the feeling of a whole community that are in them. Problem is jobs for hospitals that aren’t medical come rarely and go quickly. So I don’t think I’ll get much of a look in especially with my age, and because I’ve been out of work for sooo long.

Angie - how are your hubby’s fingers now? Was the air as blue as his fingers are when you dropped that piece of flagstone on his hand?

Sorry to hear about your panic attacks. I have them, only when I have to go out without Daren, which thankfully doesn’t have to happen. It’s hard sometimes making sure I don’t make appts when I know he can’t be with me etc, but on the whole I avoid having the attacks. They truly are dreadful and I really feel for you and wish I could suggest a way to get over them. I have no idea though, but if you come up with something please do let me know

Debbie - well done on staying OP especially with your hubby putting temptation in your path. When I first started my weight loss journey I didn’t care at all when the family wanted to eat stuff I couldn’t. I could easily go to BK with them or even the Pizza Hut and now feel resentful that I couldn’t eat just what they were! This year it’s been a bit of a nightmare because I’ve not had the determination I used to, I have given in too often when temptation has been put in my path. I don’t want the family to go without because I am a fatty that is finally doing something about it, but boy oh boy it’s hard isn’t it. I am feeling more determined this week and hopefully the will last for a while. Here’s some for you too

Nancy - You know what, I think you are right, I will be riding those rides in style The place we are going to makes a ‘day’ video if you pay for it. You wear wrist bands and as you pass sensors in the park it films you and your group on and off all day, including going on the main rides. I am definitely going to pay for the DVD because I am hoping it will show me thoroughly enjoying going on rides for the first time in YEARS. anyway.

Did you make it to the gym today after your early night, and did you go with your urge to ask your trainer to really give you an amazing work out? It’s amazing how TBL really can be inspiring. I watched them all dripping with sweat on their spin bikes and although I do sweat I know I don’t put in the effort that they do. So I make sure that the last 5 minutes I am on the bike I really up the resistance and really cycle hard. It feels great

Rat - you have such a fun sense of humour, I love to read your posts. Love what you said about me humming the wasps tune

Sorry you saw a gain on the scales. It’s weird isn’t it that even when we know it’s because of TOM or anything other than us falling off the wagon, it’s still so disappointing. I’m just so glad you had a lovely compliment and that lifted your spirits

Brenda - your weight loss has really been back on track lately. You have shot past me, and you have to keep on going. Come on girl, I’m back on track now and I’m chasing you, so keep on going, don’t let me catch you

Catherine - I am sorry that you’ve been feeling so bad lately, and that you indulged in a bit of freaking out eating. It sucks doesn’t it how quickly we can gain weight. I really hope you can lose those lbs again quickly and I know that when you are in the midst of all that travelling you have coming up you will indeed be able to maintain. You have done so well, you just need to keep faith in yourself

Annie - that’s great how you got all those clothes in the clothing exchange. See you did a good thing giving a lot of your clothes to Dee Dee recently, and you had a good thing happen in return, you got a load of clothes in your smaller size. And smaller and smaller you are going to get, there is going to be a LOT of exchanging of clothes Once again I owe you and email. I’ll try to do it later.

Lindsey - I love your new avatar, I wish long hair suited me like it suits you. When I had it I always had to wear it back in a pony tail, or in a clip. I just looked ‘wrong’ with it down, but too childish with it up. So now it’s short and I’m loving it

Lesley - wow you did fantastically to only gain 5 lbs in a couple of months. I can gain that in a week when I put my mind to it Congrats on losing that weight again, and another 5 lbs When you get back on track you really get back on track. You must feel so amazing to now be under the weight that is on your drivers licence!!

Thank you for reminding me how far I have come and believing that I can carry on losing. I definitely feel like you are right this week, I am feeling great. back to you .

Ok well I’ve got to run, I have to shower and head off to the doctors. Take care all and have a great day.

Hugs,

Ammi

Nancy - I'm not sure if you're losing track of time or not, but I reached my halfway mark about 3 weeks ago. The week before that I didn't lose anything, so I've lost 10 in the last month. I am very grateful every week for the steady losses. This is because sooner rather than later I know I'll hit another plateau I'll have to figure out how to bust, at which point you all will have to scrape me off the floor where I will be, most likely a sobbing mess.

Catherine...I think you might be referring to the Delta Chelsea in Toronto. My son and I just stayed there late last spring when we went to see 'Phantom of the Opera'. It's nice digs, but be warned that if you go for the breakfast in the big restaurant (they have like 5 of them or something!) they will give you the equivalent of about 17 scrambled eggs. We were on the 23 floor facing 'Sam the Record Man', an iconic Toronto music store that sadly closed just a few weeks later. It would be more fun for you to have a view of the CN Tower, so I hope that's the way it ends up. Ottawa is a great city to visit...I love it there. You'll get to see the Parliament buildings, which might be fun and symbolic for a new Canadian resident. There are free tours all the time. Try to see them at night as well if you can - very beautiful lit up. The US Embassy is nearby too...hilariously it's more fortified than the Canadian Mint just down the street.

Hi to everybody else!

Meta~ I stayed at the Chelsea on our honeymoon and had the same view *L* Maybe the same floor?? I know it was 23rd or 24th.

Ammi~ oh I'm not giving up... just wondering why I can't stay on track on the weekends! As far as passing you, certainly not by much *L* Speaking of which, i think its time to go and make lunch!

Catherine: Great idea about the mental health centers and also the women's shelters too! You need to be spanked taking an extra class when you are having stress. I'm super glad that you are feeling better though! Hugs.

Val: I will be praying for you to do Excellent and dazzle them at the interview tomorrow and of coarse that you will get the job. Perhaps you could return the favor if I get called for an interview for the application I mailed to the City of Post Falls the other day. Hugs.

Luan: Hi, I had my surgery 2 weeks ago yesterday.

Lindsey: You are so cute. I love your new Avatar.

Leslie: So good to see you back. Good job loosing the extra plus 5! I'm glad that your job is settling in for you.

Debbie: Hugs. I had to laugh about puzzles. I got a few from my parents who were selling them in a yard sale thinking "oh, what fun", lol not for me! I do not enjoy putting things together weather it be a puzzle or something else. I do love crafts a lot so it surprised me that I hate puzzles so much. I guess you can see I am just full of patience. lol.

Storey: I hope your TSH test comes out the way it should!

Peggy: Good job getting back to your ticker and walking and staying op!
I don't blame you not telling your family. I used to tell my family when I started a diet and was trying so hard with no results. Well, that seemed to be the conversation they wanted to talk about. "How is Annie's diet going". lol. I hope that they are as sweet to you as you definately deserve!

Donna: Happy New Year to you hun. I am not celebrating it but Hugs and a happy one to you!

Ammi: No problem sleeping in or getting of your schedule is a good thing! Good luck at the Dr. office.

Meta: Hi

Well, it is 8:30 a.m. and I am going to head out and get ready to go to the Mall in Spokane. I need new underware already and Lane Bryant is the place for me to get them right now. Spokane has the only Lane Bryant near here. I will try to get lots of walking in at the Mall today. Hope everyone has a great Op Day.

Blessings,
Annie

Well, I found out that they aren't going to let me take the extra class. They seem to think that as a disabled student, that I should take it easy my first semester back. They are even offering a tutor in case my head injury proves to be too much for me to keep up. This from the Provincial worker who had at least one junior college degree on the wall, and a couple of seminar diplomas. She was talking to me real slow like English wasn't my native language or a 3 year old. I'm going to have some fun with her over the next couple of years. I remember my high school guidance teacher trying to talk me out of taking too many classes, and wouldn't I rather have a study hall instead of French. I had come from one of those "Catholic schools that don't really meet our educational standards." She acted like she wanted me to take a placement test before letting me take Algebra. She changed her tune when she got my first grades. I'm just slightly peeved. I am willing to put up with condescension for one semester, and then we shall see. At least my high school guidance teacher had a 4 year degree.

Hiya my Peeps!

Brenda, I hope this week is going better with your food plan. Planning ahead helps me tremendously, but sometimes, I just blow it.

Torister, how are the peaches this year? My bike ride vacation messed with my head and I forgot everything when I went to work on Tuesday. It's Thursday, and I'm still catching up.

Donna, give Jack#1 a kiss and a hug for me! I kissed my old grouchy kitty this morning (he's 17 yrs old). He groans when I give him mamakisses on his head, but I think he secretly likes it. This is the kitty that likes it when the dog soaks the top of his head with her sloppery tongue. Oh, and Happy New Year!

Catherine, I'm glad you are starting to feel less overwhelmed and more centered. Your DH sounds like a cutie polar bear. I get cold too and it's due mostly to thyroid. Even on meds, the body just doesn't do extreem temps anymore. I *luv* my electric blanket. They actually make electric sheets (not as lumpy as the blankets). I might have to invest in one this winter. Ugh about the Provincial worker and the other class.

Battle, I hear ya about people not noticing weight loss in larger people. I've lost 25 since Feb 1 and people NOW are asking if I've lost a couple of lbs.. doh. I'm not sure whether to be mad at their warped perspective, or to be happy for the compliment.

Annie, yay on the new clothes!!! I got hand-me-ups from my baby sister when she lost weight before me.. hehe. She has MUCH better taste in clothes than me. I'm glad you are up and moving around. I know the docs want you walking to prevent pneumonia and clot stuff. Have fun shopping today!

Valerie, good luck on your interview!! I'm sending good job vibes to you for Friday. Will you get to see Gabe during his training? Or will he be off at another stable?

Lindsey, I love your new avatar. I don't look good in very long hair. I think my silly hair just came into fashion by accident. It's layered and at my shoulders and it does what it wants there.. flips up, or flings or whatever.

LilChickie, welcome back!!! Glad your job is settling down and you are busy, but not stressed too much. Yay for your new black kitty (Jack#2)! I luv little kittens. Give him a smooch from me.

Debbie, 45 min on the treadmill!! That's fabulous! I know when it gets cold this winter, I'll be back on mine. Ugh, you mentioned gardens... my front flower one is overrun with crabgrass. Time to weed! I guess I'll be mowing this Saturday instead of riding my bicycle.. bleh hehe.

Story, I hope the doc gets your thyroid meds right. It takes 3-6 weeks for them to stabilize. I hate those heart palps!!! When I had those, the first doc I went to said I was stressed, doh. It was the wacky thyroid doing it.

Ammi, yay for being back on the wagon!! I'm not totally there yet. I rode my bike yesterday evening, but went over my points for the day by 7-10. At least I'm not wanting sweet things to eat. I want protein, but not chicken!! hehe.. I'm all chickened-out.

Meta, you are doing so well! I've got to stop giving in to my bratty inner child. She throws such tandrums sometimes.

Well, I got my butt back in my saddle again last night. Soon it'll be too cold or dark to ride. It was a nice ride and the weather has been fabbo. I'm still doing my Hi-Lo emotion game in my head. "YAY ME, for fitting into another shirt".. then cartoon cussing "@#$%#$@# my thighs have more substance than that perky little runner... such a long way to go!". All of those thoughts are going through my head INSTANTANEOUSLY as I'm riding down the road. No wonder my brain cell is so tired. It doesn't know whether to send out endorphins or just shut down completely.

Hugs and Luv to all!
Ratkity

Just catching a few things here....

Catherine... I loved "Whats Eating Gilbert Grape?", but I have to say that it made me terrified that I would die and it would take 6 people and some machinery to get me out of my house...not to mention the size of my casket! I am still scared about that!!

Annie - My family is great. They don't care about my weight. Its ME that cares about my weight. It has kept me home from family events in the past, but not this year.

RK - The peaches are wonderful this year. The ones I got are very sweet and just the right stage of ripeness. I am loving it!

I will be off to take my walk in another hour.

Catherine, if you really feel unfairly dealt with there is surely a processes of appeal. Ms. Seminar Pants hardly sounds like the final authority on anything. If it's something that's going to chew at you, that has the potential to affect lots of things, including your weight loss efforts. On the other hand, things often happen for a reason and perhaps you will actually enjoy this semester and the rest of your life more with a lighter load. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Brenda...that's funny! Small world, all the pitter-patter-thud of 3FatChick feet at the Delta Chelsea over time.

Rat - I have never come so far, or been so conscious of how far I have to go. In a strange way I like it. It means I am truly connected with the truth and reality of my morbid obesity in a way I wasn't in the past. It's a reminder that we want more for ourselves, and I think that is healthy and good.

Hi again to everybody else!

Catherine, that sucks that that lady treats you like that. Just because you had a head injury doesn't mean you're stupid. I think I would of had to give her a piece of my mind, but then again, like you said, you will have fun with her this quarter. I can only imagine what your going to do to that poor woman...LOLOL It sounds like your trips are going to be fun! I would love to travel like that and have someone else pay for it. Enjoy it!!

Story, I sure hope they get your meds figured out. I hate when the hair falls out and those terrible heart palps...ugh!!

Donna, Happy New Year!!!!

Ammi, thank you so much for the Willpower dust. It always helps believe me.You are doing fantastic on staying OP and getting all that exercise done. Doesn't it feel great?!!!

Annie, Have fun shopping! I love buying underwear, just not as big as it is right now....mine ARE getting baggy though...finally. I wish I lived closer to Spokane, I would of met you there. Have fun walking!! I didn't used to have the patience for puzzles either, but I get so bored around here, and with the weather turning soon, I figurred I needed something. What crafts do you like doing?

Ratkity, I know what you mean about the constant tug-o-war that your brain is going thru. I am sooooooo tired by the time I go to bed because of all the thinking, that I just pass out. Right now the "good" thoughts are winning because I've stayed OP this whole week so far and exercised. The weekend is tough for me, but I know I will do good. I'm taking my calorie book with me so no matter where we go to eat, I can pick the least caloric and healthy meal there. I'm looking for a good WI on Monday. Good for you getting back in the saddle!!!

Hi Everybody else!!! John, are you still with us? I went to Sue's webpage and wrote in her guestbook telling her how we all miss her. I sure hope she's doing ok.
I still haven't done exercise today but plan on doing the "Walk and Muscle" DVD of Leslie Sansone around 4:30. I figure that one will make me sweat!!
Have a great day and stay OP ladies and gent!!
Debbie