Morning all! I'm back and trying to catch up after being away for a week.

The trip was great! DC was hot as blazes, but a lot of fun. We saw the WW II Memorial, which is very powerful. I think it really meant a lot to my Dad to see it. We also got a great tour of the Capitol and the White House and then did some of the Smithsonian. We were exhausted when we got home, but happy we went. One of the coolest things was Friday afternoon we had taken a nap at the hotel during the hottest part of the afternoon and were watching President Bush at a campaign appearance on C-SPAN. Late in the afternoon we decided to go back to the Memorial to take pictures and while we were there a huge helicopter came over head and landed on the White House grounds--it was the Prez coming back from his trip to PA! Cool!

We got back to NC Sunday night and Monday, Mom and I drive to Kinston to see my nieces. Tuesday was the only day I got to spend in Wilmington--most of it in a coffee shop working. I never made it to the beach because it started storming, but I got to spend the afternoon with one of my best friends from high school that I hadn't seen in years! Drove back yesterday and collapsed on the sofa last night.

I didn't gain any weight on vacation. Eating was OK--I made the best choices I could and didn't "hoover" anything. I'm still trying to work my pledge from the 4th. I never felt deprived, so never felt the need to binge before going back on plan. Because I never felt deprived, I was able to say no to a lot of things I shouldn't eat--so it worked pretty well.

It is good to be back! I'll pick back up with responses tomorrow, but I've got 51 mails to plow through to get caught up!

Susan

ps--I've missed something, who are the famous folks on the board?????

Mornin' ever'buddy,
Got my walk in this morning as I want to stick to my plan. I'm hoping that my legs and feet won't give out on me. So far today I have 6060 steps, which is 2.6 miles. Had breakfast of SB pancakes with a spoonful of wheat bran to add the fiber. Topped the pancakes with 1/2 fresh peach and 2 large strawberries. Need to get some H2O down now. I've been a little lax in the water dept.

SEF-LOL about the gators. I certainly hope I don't have to take my gator avatar off! LOL I noticed BOB's former avatar when she first put it up, and was tempted to challenge her to a debate (again ), but after that I never even noticed it. I'm always too direct and would not have gone to Suzanne, but would have put up my own opposition avatar, or made some smart remark or something like that. I have been gone so much lately that I just never got around to it. LOL Ya gotta love BOB because she's such a bundle of personality, despite her misguided political leanings. (BOB, if you're reading this, gotcha!)

BOB--Only a few more weeks till SEC football season starts. Funny of the day--The good news to all the SEC members is that Zook is still at Florida for another year!

Monet--Maybe you could include those little cheats as part of your daily food intake, rather than extras, over and above your needed calorie level.

Jackie--Hope you are feeling better today. There was an interesting article in USAToday about the latest cancer drugs and how doctors are trying to go even further with them, while at the same time reducing the side effects. Anyway, dear one, the end of this regimen is in sight.

Heart--Eat wisely today. Don't let emotions control what you eat, if possible.

Country--Hi.

Firefly--Welcome to the board.

Fillise- Welcome back. BOB is the famous person on this board. Reason for her fame: She has been chastised TWICE, as in two times, (probably setting a new reccord of some sort) for doing some no-nos on the board. Incident #1--talking about God and saying that she believed in Him, and #2--posting an avatar that revealed her political leanings. (Suzanne zapped her for that one, Debbie got her for #1). In my opinion, her former avatar just showed us that she wuz a pore chile whut needed a good talkin' to ta git her mind straightened out so she could understan' the truth and see things like us smart folks! Pore thang has turned into a danged liberal of the worse sort!

Whoops! I can't believe I just wrote that. I must be having a sugar deprivation of the brain, so I will leave and go find something to eat!!

FILLISE: Welcome back!

GATOR: You mean I have to count calories???

SEF: I spend a lot of time being lazy during the day!

I am trying to get Laura up to go to Curves with me. She is not cooperating! I will either have to go by myself, skip, or go later, and I wanted to go this morning. grrr..

Good Morning, or is it afternoon?

I was so excited to see 5 pages of posts. Gosh it's almost like old times.

Little shakey today. Got to work and we had power so I cleaned out the fridge. It was disgusting. I was worn out then. Then I realized I missed a meeting so I had to run out the door. Ate some crackers but hasn't helped. Oh well, have some soup for lunch, maybe that will work.

BF started out good, Special K with fiber one and 4 prunes and some strawberries, 1/4 c oj.

I'm not being productive today, but oh well. I'm just gonna do what I feel like.

Psigrl, welcome. Glad your found us. This is a great board for support. I truly understand how you can gain 30 lbs during health problems. I'm going through breast cancer and just can't seem to eat right. But then we look for any excuse. Hope you do great on SB. I don't think I have any problems with wheat as I lost 105 lbs on SB. It is the chemo drugs that are giving me trouble I'm sure.

Heart, yes, sometimes we forget to count our blessings. We need daily reminders. They are saying nothing yet. I guess they will wait for the 2 more treatments to be finished.

Country, I would stay in the house too if I had to worry about snakes. I had to smile at your post, you are trying to get everyone back on here. Good job.

Sef, you have an exciting life like mine. I never can get the final jeopardy question. Honey, you will never rust out. You don't sit still long enough.

Bob, You hellion you. I bet you spent a lot of time in the principal's office too. Who cares. Everyone is entitled to their opnions. Don't let it keep you off the board, then they win. You are tougher than that.

Gator, sounds like a gourmet meal to me. DH should be happy to clean up after a meal like that. WTG getting that walk in. It is hot out there. I willPM you later.

Monet, hope you all did not get a lot of damage. They are not expecting power back until USnday or Monday in some places here. I think everyone posting is some motiviation for me at least. Hope you made it to curves.

Sky, welcome to our board. Hope you join us on a regular basis.

Fillise, so glad you had a nice trip. I knew your DD would enjoy the memorial. How special he got to see it. I love your eating attitude. I sure wish I could adopt it. I worry about you every time I her the news and they talk about the terrorist threat at the conventions. Are you still planning on going?

Be back later.

Taking a break while I decide what I want to have for lunch--that's legal. I'm already cooking dinner: For the main course (or "plat principal") White bean cassolet with a few baby carrots and onions and rosemary and 2 strips of bacon cooked in with it. Roasted pork tenderloin served atop the beans. Brussels sprouts with roasted red onions with dijon mustard sauce. For the entrée (or first course) I think I will serve a salad. Iced tea and no dessert.

Hmmm. Lunch. Maybe a little salad with tomato slices, and a 4 oz. meat patty. Whaddya think? I'm not hungry yet, so will wait a little while.

I'd love to go work in my garden as it got very overgrown while I was gone, but it is so hot that I just can't bring myself to get out there. If it rains this afternoon, maybe I'll try to get out there right after the rain. I have a chiropractor's appt at 5 pm. so the timing may not work out. Need to get in some more steps!!

Back from Curves.... Just had lunch- a hamburger patty on half a ww English muffin and some cherry tomatoes, plus a cup of coffee with half and half. I will probably snack on cucumbers later.

Its tempting to go jump in the pool...it looks all nice and clear and there is hardly any leaves floating around in it. Its so hot out though, I think I will find a book and curl up on the bed and read a bit. I still need to make something to carry tonight. I am thinking about making my Mom's Scottish shortbreads. They are made with oatmeal, and I usually make them with ww flour. They are not very sweet, and I can use fructose in them to make them more acceptable. Then if I stop at the store and get some grapes, I will have a nice snack that is appropriate for almost any diet...

I will check in later...

Good day everyone!!!!

Wow, 5 pages of posts....I am excited!

Today has been a pretty good day. I took Britt to the doctor early today to see how "out of balance" she was since our trip. Her eating, along with ours, was horrible. She was out of balance, but not too awful bad.

When we got home, I did my 25-minute Slim in 6 tape, and will do my Ab Scissor sometime later today.

My eating has been pretty good, so far:

BF: Cheerios with hemp cereal, blueberries & rice milk
Snack: Cheese on Flax chips w/ guacamole & Diet Dr. Pepper (rare occasion)
Snack: SF, Soy Vanilla Latte
Will have some fruit soon
Water....probably around 32 oz so far

I weighed 119.5# this morning, so no ill effects from the trip at all. I think Fillise was saying that if you don't deprive yourself or "not allow" yourself anything then you feel o.k. about eating a little bit of it. I ate a lot of stuff on this trip that I normally wouldn't, but I knew when to stop and not go overboard....makes a difference. PLUS, we were very active. If I ate that way and sat on the beach everyday, it probably would have been a different story. But, I am happy with the outcome. I will be going to the gym early tomorrow and Saturday.

heart: I still haven't gotten a reall good night's rest since we've been home. Last night was the best night yet. So, I am still a little bit tired....I could've crashed around 3 p.m. yesterday, but can't do that with kiddos. You can get back to 163# before your trip. Good luck!!!

BOB: I'm not one to share my political beliefs with others (causes too many problems), but have no problem with anyone else doing it. That is what America is supposed to be all about, eh??? Freedom of speech. Sorry you were "reprimanded." Don't stay away over that though....we like having you around!

Monet: Yummmmm...fresh cucumbers....heck, fresh anything!! 100% WW English Muffins sound yummy (now that I'm not supposed to have wheat!). So sorry about that weight gain; it must be sooooo frustrating for you.

Sef: I agree with you. Having company is sooo much work. You clean before they come and have to re-clean after they leave. Although it's great to have company, it's great to see them go too.

Gator: Your dinner sounds great...last night and tonight. I'm on my way over .

Jack-K: Glad you are feeling a little bit better. The tiger was the girls' footrest on the way home. We had them in the very back of the vehicle, and the middle seats folded down, so they had more room in front of them than behind.

psigirl: Welcome aboard!!! Do the doctors know what caused you to get a heart attack? Was it some medication they put you on for menopausal symptoms? Hang in there; you will get where you want to be again!!

Country: Howdy Girlfriend!!! Lane didn't even cry much when she got her shot...just didn't understand why I let them "hurt" her. She didn't have any ill-effects, and is fine today.

Sky: Welcome aboard; we look forward to getting to know you!!

Fillise: Welcome home. It sounds like a fantastic time away, and lots of memories to treasure.

I will try to check in later today, and if not....I will check in sometime tomorrow morning.

Have a great evening!!
Nat

Hi Pancho! Thanks for the welcome, you are my inspiration.
Naw..the doctors thought I was just another burned out nurse, and because I don't drink or smoke and am relatively young, heart disease was not suspected. I think women are getting the short end of the stick on this matter. We don't have the typical symptoms seen on t.v. (guys grabbing their heart and falling to the ground). How many times have women had heart attacks on t.v.? In order to get to the bottom of what was wrong would have taken too much effort I guess. Anyway, I wrote in my journal today (after my 45 minute walk) "enough! No more feeling sorry for myself!!") I meant it, this self pity is getting to be a drag. No more fear of another heart attack...it won't happen, I've been given the go ahead to exercise and fly again. Fear can be so debilitating. No more. I have this board to thank and you guys! Carpe Diem!!"-)

Hey, guys and WELCOME, SKY. I hope all the newbies stick around. This board can be fun and there's a variety of personality on board. I peed like crazy yesterday afternoon, so I hopped on the scale this AM and was down 2 from yesterday to 166. Still have 3 pounds to get back to where I was. I haven't exercised today BUT I do teach class tonight. But it will be about 10 minutes shorter than the normal time. Why? Because Kingdom Hospital is coming on and it's the finale,lol. I have to see it. It's kinda a wacky show, but I guess that's why I like it. Plus, Stephen King is my fave author. Here's what I've "inhaled" so far today,lol.

BF- 3 scrambled eggs
Lunch- Big chef salad with Ranch dressing and a spoon of PB(also a can diet coke)
Snack- fixing to eat it in just a few..fruit salad(grapes, couple of strawberries, marinated in 2 % milk, cinnamon, and sweet n' low..I ran out of Splenda)
Supper- I have great northern beans and smoked sausage in the crockpot. Which reminds me that I need to hurry up and get off this computer and make some cornbread for the rest of the clan.

Water- drinking away as always..

Gotta run...

Oh yea, I did want to mention that I know it's only day 3 of me being back OP, but I can already tell a difference in the way I feel. I was feeling so tired and irritable, now I feel more like my "normal" self again. That just proves the nasty effects that sugar and bad carbs have on our bodies.

Oh my gosh the board exploded since yesterday morning. I'll never be able to reply to all the posts... Yippee its so good to see it so busy. Welcome to the newbies. So happy you came here. My cardio appointment went well and my doctor was pleased. He said my heart had improved. Must be this good eating huh. What else could cause that. Its a bit cooler today. Thank goodness for that.. Well off I go for now....