Sharon - Great pics! Thanks for posting

I am heading to my parents' for the weekend and since I won't have a laptop with me this time I won't be able to check in (hmm...unless there is one here in the office I can borrow for the weekend ). I hope everyone has a great weekend. It will be tough for me being at my parents as they are really into food. However, their new house has a community center that has a little gym. I am going to try and arrive on time to use it tonight and try to get in my exercise every day.

Southern Californians - I'm relieved to hear the winds are calming somewhat, but I still worry for all of you. So many homes lost... Be safe my friends!

Rode Gabe last night. Went even better than before. Ken is riding him outside. *I* am NOT. In the indoor arena is FINE with me. Gabe was being sluggish and I kissed to him to get a little more go. Ken asked if I was trying to get him to trot. HAHAHAHA! no. Definately not yet. It was lovely tho, and I'm feeling more comfortable on him. Once when a goat made a sudden noise behind him, Gabe jumped a bit. But this time my reaction was perfect - I relaxed my legs instead of grabbing, and didn't snatch hard at his mouth. He relaxed again himself in two steps and on we went. I just have to believe that if I can start riding him 5 days a week all winter, I'll come out in the spring with not just a confident horse, but a skinnier, more worthy self. I am SO looking forward to those nights.

back to work. thin thoughts to Everybody! - WELCOME Melissa!

Good Mornin'

I got on the scale to day just to see how close I am to my 50 lb mark.....I'm right on it. But I won't officially change my ticker until tomorrow which is my WI day. I was up half the night going back and forth to the bathroom so I'm sure that is what did it plus TOM is completely gone!!! So here's hoping I behave today and I lose even more or at least make the 50 lbs. IF I do lose the 50, I'll take pics and post before and afters.

Story, O good, I'm not the only one who loves to bake just for the joy of it. It truly is relaxing. Sometimes I will pretend I'm Julia Child or someone and act like I'm doing a food show...it makes my hubby laugh. I know..weird! I hope the fire doesn't get too much closer to you. We get the tv channels from LA and it's just awful to see it burn like that. Very sad. My parent's used to live in Crestline near Lake Gregory, I just wonder if their house is still there. Take care and don't go outside too much..it's a health hazard ya know.

Nancy, well did you hijack a laptop from work? I hope you have a great time at your parents and enjoy their little gym.

Sharon, it sounds like you had a good time at the fair. We have one similar here that has all the medievil stuff going on. It's pretty fun and lots that you can do to see how it was back in the day.

Meta, I seem to hit those binges every 4 weeks, but I think it is TOM approaching. Have you checked to see maybe if that is the problem? It's great that you bounce right back too! And it will even be better when we do do that "pause" before we indulge. My hubby brought home pizza last night and it's going to be so tempting to eat it today, but I really want to make the 50lb, so maybe tomorrow if it lasts that long. I hope you enjoy your skating time today...how fun!!

Donna, I bet the costume is going to be just adorable. What a novel idea!! And I can imagine those crazy animals wanting to get in the box, we have a cat, James, who loves to get into things too. How did you do with Slammy?

Ratkity, I thought you would of been half way to Mexico by now! Don't feel bad, ever since I said I would do the challenge, I haven't done a thing. So I'm going to start small AGAIN...and try for 10 minutes. It's just so dang boring. I can't wait to get my DDR!!!!

Peggy, sounds like you are really in the groove again. The exercise and OP are all the right moves to get the weight off. Keep up the good work.

Hi Melissa, to our group. You'll find lots of encouragement here.

Catherine, have a good trip and be safe....relax and enjoy!!!

Annie, I sure hope you get the county job!! That would be awesome and just the benefits alone is well worth it. I hope you enjoy your temp job and see some money rolling in. I've still been thinking of attempting to find a job, but I'm still not comfortable getting out there. I don't know what I can do either, I have a bad back and cant sit or stand for too long. It's a congenital thing from what I've been told, where two of my bones in my spine didn't grow together, so it acts up every so often. I keep working on my little banks though and hopefully that will start bringing in some money.

Battle, YAY for you on passing up all those terrible tasting, nasty food places!!!!

Sandy, how did the soup turn out? I bet it was very good

Luan, be safe and take care

to all
Debbie

Hi everyone,

I am within a hair of being back to my ticker weight, close enough for government work, as they say, so I'm calling it done. Yay, finally got rid of the binge weight. Now let's see if I can get the ticker to move down again by Monday.

Debbie, big congrats on making it to the 50 lb. mark. What a huge accomplishment. I am very, very happy for you and am raising a virtual glass of no-calorie champagne in your honor. Yippee!

Catherine: Thanks so much. I'd certainly appreciate prayers for the job. Hugs to you and have fun. I know what you mean about being a productive member of society but, please remember that you are very productive here and help us to get through tough days. Hugs.

Melissa: Welcome. You to have you here. Hope you enjoy all these lovely people as much as I do.

Peggy: You are rockin the exercise my friend.

Donna: Oo. Have fun punching slammy. Give him one in the kisser for me. lol.

Meta: I'm glad that your binging is changing and not lasting and lasting like it used to. Yep, I do have faith that the Lord will give me the job I am supposed to have.

Sharon: Thanks for the good wishes about my temp job. It is actually already over. lol. I went in there and they wanted to send my home by 10 a.m. because the girl that wasn't supposed to show up ended up showing up. lol. So, I worked until 1 p.m. and then came home. I actually was glad to be going home because today is not a great day for my physically. I am just drained so it was good to come home earlier. Thanks for posting the photos. I will go see them in a bit.

Patti: Feel better soon hun.

Nancy: Have fun with your parents.

Storey: Do breads pose a "stuck" problem for lapbanders too? If so, I didn't know that. I know that if the bread isn't toasted I can't do it. Stay safe with all the fires.

Val: Yeah for another ride on black beauty, aka: Gabe. I'm seriously so happy for you.

Debbie: Yipee to -50! What an amazing accomplishment. You are doing so well. Are there any call centers around you that you could maybe get a job at? I know you sit mostly in those.

Well, I am very tired today. I did manage to have my weigh in today and I am down 8 pounds since last Thursday officially. It is hard to look in the mirror and see myself and see 173 pounds missing. I just don't look like I have lost that much. I know the scale isn't lying but I just don't see it. Everyone around me does which is nice but I guess my brain needs to play catch up with my body. I am thankful for that loss. I have another 177 more to go now. I am 11 pounds away from my next goal. Numbers, numbers, numbers. It seems there are always numbers to look forward to or backward at. lol.

I hope you are all safe and happy.
Blessings,
Annie

Hi All - catch up time!

I am such a creature of habit one little blip can throw me. Yesterday I was about 3 hours late taking my lunch hour. So then what happens - my whole apple cart is upset. I didn't do horrible but my control just wasn't there. There comes a time when I can justify just about anything. Fortunately I made good choices - ok not good choices - but not horrible choices. Need to get my firm resolve back in place. Today has been totally OP - and all the WW little carrot cakes are now gone - can't do that again - anyone ever hear how loud they talk?

Catherine - hope you are so enjoying your trip. How elegant you will be - not to mention proud of Himself. As for the sabotage issue - my niece e-mailed me wanting to know exactly how much I want to lose - I could see the wheels turning - let's see if she should weigh XX and needs to lose YY then OMG that must mean she weighs ZZZZZZ. So I answered her that I wasn't sure how much I wanted to lose but just want to be healthier.

Annie - I think I also had hoped that telling my niece would be freeing - as I mentioned above - it remains to be seen. How is the job search? I laughed when I heard about hubby and the popsicles. My DH thinks I make sugar free jello just for him and seems to think I'm not OP when I have some. Aren't they sweet.

Peggy - HOORAY for you - I am drawing from your strength. Tell me more about the DDR if you don't mind. Your menus give me very needed ideas. A big THANK YOU!

Brenda - do you sell crafts at the fair? What type? Sounds like a good plan - hard to eat when your hands are busy.

Donna - how creative you are with the costume. Be sure to post pics.

Valerie - soon you and Gabe will seem like you are one. I have to admit I am scared of large animals. Hubby really wants to do a romantic beach horseback ride when we are in Mexico in December - I'm not sure I can do it.

Luan - how's the air? From what I've seen there may be a little relief - our prayers have been with you all.

Sandy - how's the baby? Is your SD with you now? The soup sounds wonderful - - how did you guess I'm hungry - lol.

Battle - I'm with you on the smell factor - I have to drive my a number of fast food restaurants on my way home for lunch - when I am already hungry. It's a big issue if I don't have a plan. I can't believe these places are still open now that I no longer patronize them. You're incredible to be able to pull from within and stay strong. WAY TO GO

Melissa - a belated welcome is in store from me. This is a great group of people for support.

Meta - instant recovery from a binge. You've come a long way - I can't wait until I can feel the same way. I'm having the same blah exercise week - I'm blaming being out of my routine - shame on me.

Sharon - thank you so much for the update on Ammi. Stay strong!

TFFU - hope you are feeling much better by now. Hugs to you!

Nancy - enjoy the weekend with your parents - is it where you grew up with a lot of food memories? Amazing how memories are tied to food for me - is it that way with everyone?

Story - how is the air quality? Stay inside until it is better please.

Debbie - YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH for 50 lbs. I'm so excited for you!!!!! You go girl! Can't wait to see the pics.

Good luck too with the upcoming weekend. No big plans here. Back to the ortho surgeon for hubby tomorrow to see what the decision is. For once he will be off tomorrow so we will be able to spend some time together.

Hugs to all,
Carol

hey gals and any guys.. i am still hanging in there glad to hear so many of you are doing so well1 cant wait til i am up to my exerciseing again soon i miss being able to move with out breathing diffulties lol!

Wanted to let everyone know I made it just fine. An incredible amount of turbulence did not help, but I survived. He went from the airport right to give his speech. He had to change into his suit in the bathroom. By the time it was over, he had another offer for us to come back in June to do it to a bigger group. We're on the 23rd floor with a view of Parliament. Just to keep him on his toes, I have threatened to wear my hiking boots with my gown. They have bright yellow laces. I will probably be good and just wear my crocs. My black ones. They won't show anyway. I guess I should have gotten some gold ballet slippers, but they don't come in size 12 7A. Very few things do. I'm just going to hold my breath and go. I know that no matter what I wear, I won't look like a fairy princess, so I might as well just relax. Thanks for all the congratulations and well wishes. When I think about how lucky I am to have him, I just start crying, but instead I'm going to bed. It's been a long day, and tomorrow will be longer.

here is the nasa photo with the smoke. the 2nd map is the land marks. i live in long beach.

Catherine - I had to smile when you said that when you think of how lucky you are to have your hubby you start to cry. I sometimes think I am totally nuts when I start to get teary if I think about how lucky I am to have met my hubby. After being together for 9 years (met on the Internet January of 1998 and he arrived here at the end of October that year) I am still amazed that I was lucky enough to have found someone SO special and SO well-suited to me who came from the other side of the planet. I never used to believe in fate, but I certainly do now.
I hope you have a wonderful time away and make the most of the time you are there. I would love to see pics if there are any.

Sharon - I love the pics you posted! In the photo of you with your youngest son you can definitely see how much smaller you are.
Thank you for the info you have been giving us on Ammi. I can only imagine how awful this must all be for her.

Ammi - If you are reading this, I hope you are finally finding some relief from your 'ailment'. I know how much you were looking forward to going away for a weekend soon and I hope that this problem isn't ruining it all for you. I know that Daren will be treating you like a queen while you are not well and I hope that the girls are looking after you as well.

Valerie - I can really 'feel' the smile on your face in your posts when you right about riding Gabe. I know it is something you have looked forward to for so long and I am extremely happy for you that it is turning out to be as wonderful an experience as you had hoped it would be.

Annie - I hope you are feeling better soon. Maybe you are just winding down from your Dad's visit and your body is telling you that you need a rest, although I am not sure how hard you worked while your Dad was visiting.
I will keep my fingers crossed (and my legs/toes/arms/eyes) for you that a great job will come up soon.
I understand totally about looking in the mirror and not seeing the 'new' you. I think I am kinda, almost, just about, nearly, able to see the new me now, after over a year and a half. Even now, I sometimes see my reflection or look in a mirror and I think that it must be a 'trick' mirror or a funny window that makes you look slimmer, because I don't FEEL the way I look.

Patti - Do you know what is causing the breathing difficulties? I can't remember if you mentioned the cause in an earlier post, but I have a ROTTEN memory, so you may have to tell me again. I hope that you are feeling closer to 100% soon. It must be awful to WANT to exercise, but be afraid to because you can't breath properly.

Carol - I know about that food 'talking' to you and telling you that you HAVE to eat it. I had that problem with some candy today. It usually doesn't bother me at all to have it around, but for some reason today I just HAD to open the packet and start eating it. Luckily I woke up to what I was doing early enough and only had a couple of little jubes before throwing the packet out. I usually have SO much more self-control and I have a feeling that hormones are playing havoc with me at the moment, which isn't helping at all. I hope you don't get any more of those nasty carrot cakes who keep nagging you.
Don't worry about the little 'blip' in your program. At least you recovered immediately and are back on track now. That is what tells you that you are well on the way to making these life-long changes.

My thoughts are with those of you close to the fires and I hope that things ease soon and the air begins to clear. It is SO disappointing, and infuriating that it appears as though at least some of them have been lit on purpose. Don't these people have ANY idea of the damage that a fire can cause? Or do they simply not care? I hope that there is an extremely sever punishment for anyone who is found guilty of lighting the fires.

I am REALLY glad that the weekend is here. I am a little disappointed because I have been feeling all week that it was the third week of the school term and it is only the second, so that is going to make the term feel that much longer. I can't complain really, because we only recently had a two-week break and this term is just under 9 weeks long, then we get a 6 week break. So we do pretty well really. This term should be OK because I love Christmas, but I also have to organise two school assemblies (one is the BIG Christmas assembly) and an excursion (field trip) and get reports written. Luckily I have adorable students who keep me smiling throughout all of this.

We have just had a couple of "Literacy" days where we combined with another class and did activities based on Robert Munsch's books. I called it a "Triple M Day" for Marvellous Munsch Marathon. We had a lovely time and the kids were absolutely wonderful.

We are taking our God-daughter (9 years old) out to lunch tomorrow for a combined late birthday lunch for her and to celebrate Neil being here for 9 years. We are going to our favourite place at the local casino. It has a buffet, and I will probably eat too much, but I will make the best choices I can. We are going over to a friend's house on Sunday for a barbecue lunch, which should be lovely. It will be a little wet over the weekend, but we need the rain, so I will try to smile through the showers.

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and a terrific weekend.

Take care,

Zelma

I just wanted to pop in and say hi! I'm hanging in -- love watching my Red Sox win again last night! (up 2 games to none in the world series for those of you not keeping track!).

We're in the 7th week of a 10 week term and I think I'm not going to feel the same kind of overwhelming feelings I did last spring when I really went off plan and gained a bunch of weight. That helps me feel like doing this may not be impossible. Though I do think spring term will be way too busy again!

Doing this "for life" is sometimes overwhelming. I have to remind myself that there will naturally be ups and downs -- days when I can and can't stay on plan. I just have to stay committed, get back on track as soon as possible and remind myself that slip ups WILL happen.

Happy Friday to everyone!

G'morning all!

Heather, I totally agree.. there will always be life stresses and doing this for life means to be able to ebb and flow with those times. Today, I see that I'd start a diet attempt with such great enthusiasm that I would steam roll over normal life stress. Then, when the newness wore off, the stresses were still there and that's when I "failed". Today, I am learning how to deal with those stresses without food (just the little ones..hehe). It's HARD!!

Wow Zelma, you have your hands full with the Christmas program and all the other things that teaching kids can bring. I am looking forward to having that extra energy when I'm at goal.. that would be the energy I'm using right now to haul around all this flab!

Luan, my prayers are with you and all my friends in CA. Make sure to remember to change your air filters frequently to keep the inside of your living space clean as possible! Hugs to you.

Catherine, I've been following your progress of getting ready, hopping on and returning from your trip. I can "feel" the relief in your last post at making it in one piece. I had to laugh at the hiking boots!

TFFU, your bronchitis seems to have lasted a really long time. If the meds aren't working within a few days, please see your doc again!! We want you around and healthy!

GGG, oh yeah.. doesn't take much to flip over the old cart, does it? I've heard how loud things talk when they are in my house. Even those 100 cal packs.. bah, forget it. I've decided that if I want a treat, I need to go buy 1 unit of it. I can't have a pack of stuff in my house.

Annie, yay for the minus pounds! OMGosh, I have felt EXACTLY the way you describe. Looking in the mirror and knowing in my head the weight is gone, but there's still so much there. Then my ever-magnifying mind wonders where my eyesight was when I weight 100+ lbs heavier. It's ok, hang in there. It's a good thing feelings aren't facts.

Battle, w00h00 at being at ticker! It's still amazing to me that one or two days of indiscretion can take weeks to undo.

Deb, yay at the 50lb mark! You also need to change your profile cuz it still says 342.. hehe. I think we'll make Mexico by the time the weather is really nasty cold. It'll all work out!

Melissa these are a great bunch of people. Your son is a gorgeous angel! Don't feel overwhelmed by the amount of posts. Just let us know how you are doing.

Valerie, yay .. a second ride on Gabe, the wonderhorse! Excellent that you are BOTH getting used to each other reactions. Soon you will be riding as ONE. Give the hayburner a carrot and hug for me.

Story, stay safe with the fires and careful with those lungs! I'm afraid I can't bake without eating samples. It's interesting that breads ended up on the list of things I really don't have a desire to eat in these last few years. I'd rather spend the calories on meat or tasty sauces. I don't eat much white rice or pasta either come to think of it.

Nancy, I hope you have a wonderful weekend with the 'rents! Let us know how the baby gym is. Right now I'm on the disabled list with my foot acting up cuz of the weather. Doesn't excuse me from my floor exercises, right?

Sharon, those were great pictures!! Ouch on the weight amount of armour and helmet. I just marvel at the weight of the swords they were swinging around during those times as well. A light one could weight 40+ lbs! OMGosh, I luv cheese. Bread is just a carrier for the cheese! I have to be careful cuz I can go over calories in a day just in cheese.

Meta, I'm glad you and I are doing better in the binge area. I recover much faster these days. I'm also doing blah in the exercise! We can do this!!

Donna, Smack that Slammy!!! Go Go girl!!! Everytime I read about Slammy, I get a big smile on my face. I love the concept of beating the crud outta something and getting exercise points for it!! hehe. Give those silly kitties a hug for me and some catnip.

Toris, w00h00 on the long days OP in a row! Your chicken soup sounds yummy today. It's cold and rainy out. I have my gas fireplace on to take off the chill. Hope your Sox continue their streak!

Sandy, I LOVE split pea soup.. Matter of fact, I think I have enough stuff to make some today. Don't have any real onions, but I have enough flakes and such to get it going. I just have to remember not to put so much pepper in it.. hehe. What is onion cottage cheese bread? Your 2nd post (I'm catching up slowly) sounded more positive than your first. My work is giving me fits as well. Hang in there! Andy's song sounds so so sweet!

GoingTL200, How was your shopping trip?? Congratz on your FT job. Always nice to have a steady paycheck. What did you cook up to freeze?

Angie, how are things this week? I see about your grandma and extended family. Of course you know best in the end. Hang in there and keep plugging away. This health thing is for life!!

Hugs to uluvlee and jessiebug! How are you doing this week?

Phew, I think I've caught up on personals! I love it when so many people post. I read each and every one of them too.

Hugs and Luv to everyone!
Ratkitten

Just pop in to say hi nothing much going on just more and more work with a little extra work throw in for good messaure. Parents coming over sunday and I'm cooking so I have a good bit of cleaning to do before sunday.

Food not been a problem cause who has time to eat!?!? There is work to be done!

Had a date this past monday it was nice but don't know if there will be a second.

I'm living on coffee and gum I don't know why but I am. Had lunch picked up twice for me this week by people at work which was nice.

Ok got to get to the work again hope everyone has a good weekend.

Carol: Sorry your niece is being so nosey. I told all my sisters and my hubby and my parents and two of my nieces and it was the oposite for me. I just felt like I had to say my weight and let them know I don't feel like a person. I feel like an "it" at the weight I was and I was scared of dying. It worked for me and I am soooo sad that you don't have the same support. Hugs. And know that you have that support here.

Catherine: Thanks for letting us know you made it. Hugs.

Luan: Please stay safe.

Zelma: I often try clothes on now that used to be so tight on me and are now soooo losse and wonder if I just stretched them out and that is why they are so loose. Silly brains need to catch up. Have fun with your God daughter and celebrating Neil's being there for 9 years. Have fun at the bar b q too. Glad to see you posting and that things are going good.

Heather: Congrats for the 2 game wins so far. I'm glad this semester isn't seeming as hard as last year.

Rat: Hugs to you.

JOhn: Have fun with your parents. You better eat something more than gum young man. You don't want your body to go into a starving mode.

Well, I am going to go work out with the personal trainer then swim. I had my DH bring my bike in from outside so I can ride it while I watch tv. I miss it terribly. lol.

Blessings to you all,
Annie