Nancy - YEAH - you have been missed - can't wait to catch up!

I'm off to do my 2nd 5k of July and then to dinner with friends.

Be safe,
Carol

Good afternoon all,

Well the passport office was surprisingly easy. We were in and out in just about 35 mins. It's well worth the drive (45 mins each way). The closer one is still about 25 mins away, you pay for parking, and you're lucky if you get out in a couple of hours. That's twice now we've been and no question I'll be going back there when I need to renew. That actually brings up an interesting point. My last passport was when I was losing weight the last time so the picture isn't too far off where I am now. I'm most surprised by the changes in my face and I wonder at what point I should think about replacing it. With going back to school it's unlikely I'll be traveling in the near future, but it will be something to think about. I suppose I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. My driver's license is from ~ 20 pounds heavier but it also doesn't need to be replaced until 2010. I suspect that's the one I'll have to worry about first.

Bernice - you sound like I can be at times, although in a more serious way. I'm constantly looking at bruises, cuts, scrapes, not quite remembering where they came from. Oh, some of them I can pin down, but I remember cutting myself at work one time and someone else pointed out the blood running down my arm. I do hope you're okay though. It sounds like you are.

Carol - that's a whole lot of people. Decades ago I used to come over and help my mother when she was manager at a real estate office. We would have parties with close to that number of people. They were a lot of work but really quite fun. Hope yours are as well.

Catherine - it didn't click until now that you've been talking about CFL football. It seems almost too early for it this year. Ah well, hope it's a good one.

Dusty - best of luck with the check up. Fluid filled cysts are quite common with younger women (I've had a couple of friends go through it) but it's always best to keep on top of it. I didn't know that caffeine was a potential cause though. This makes a lot of sense with the women I'm thinking of. Take care.

Debbie - reading all the posts about the 4th tells me that it's a much bigger deal in the US than the Canada Day holiday is here. Although there was some type of celebration here down at the lakeshore, complete with fireworks as well.

Nancy - I'm sorry that you're having troubles, and I hope you're wrong about the weight gain. I've been reading through some material by a fat loss troubleshooter and although some of the things I already knew, she brought up one point that I've never really considered. She deals with training and diet, and most people are quite willing to take training breaks. However, few people take diet breaks. When I started the strength training program it made sense to take a break from it. I've never considered holding the diet activities for a week. The idea is that every 12 weeks (if you have a lot to lose) that you eat at maintenance levels or even a little above for the week. It gives you a chance to reset and your body a chance to rest and hormone levels to reset. The theory is that you should avoid plateaus doing this. I don't think I could ever just eat without thinking for the week (too many demons with food), however, it makes sense. We embrace the new lifestlyes (as I have) but if you are continuing to lose your body is constantly running at a deficit. Maybe that's what sometimes makes it harder as you go along.

I know none of that helps you right at this moment, but perhaps down the road it's something to think about. I'm planning to do that one week in July. And then after that I will do it every 12 weeks. When I think about it, that means 4 weeks in the year I will likely not lose weight. I can live with that. I haven't picked the week yet (trying to work it around projects, but my wrist is a bit twingy so it might end up being next week).

Annie - I do sometimes think it's a shame we all live so far apart. I would be fun to just hang out every now and then. Ah well, I suppose we'll just have to live with a virtual chat. Sounds like you had fun with the roller coaster. I could never decide if I didn't like them because of the speeds and the drops, or because I was never convinced that the bars would hold me. I suspect I'll let that be one thing I never find out.

Well, that's me for the moment I think. I hope all of you in the US have a great Fourth of July weekend!

Debbie—I’m not too worried about these lumps. I had an ultrasound right away and they didn’t even SEE the lumps…but I know they are there. I am not concerned because my doctor really wasn’t concerned either. Thank you for the encouraging words—I hope your holiday is wonderful too!

Nancy—HEY!! I was wondering where you were! I have come and gone on this site before too, and I was thinking of you recently! I am glad you are back **hugs**

Annie—of COURSE you can belly dance! The movements are fluid and not jarring, they are fun and comfortable and not to mention a GREAT workout! At first, when my skinny binny sister brought the DVD home, I wanted to kill her with a salad fork! But I decided, this is a great exercise that doesn’t require me to get on and off the floor a hundred times or do pushups! So I thought, I could do it embarrassed by my self, or I could do it, and do it BETTER than my sister. So I did, and got way into it. I know I look stupid—but I FEEL sexy, and that is all that matters! Don’t do it in front of a mirror, just imagine you’re dancing for a sultan who thinks your just the hottest thing on two legs, and have fun. Also, I recommend one of the videos from Rania, or any of the ones from natural journey! They don’t make you feel inferior. I let myself feel super sexy once a day and it’s done wonders for my self esteem. I challenge you to try it again! <3

More later—I have to go play a video game with my brother! (I know—obligations obligations.)

Dusty

Nancy, hey girl, it's good to see you here again. Sorry that you fell of the wagon, but we're all reaching out to you, so hop back on. Ya gotta tell us about the BF!!! That WOW can be dangerous. So many people get really hooked on that game. The guys at my hubby's work tried to get him into it but I told him if he did, we might as well say goodbye now. Glad you got yourself together and realized it wasn't helping you.

Annie, the water parks sound like so much fun. I'm still to self concious to wear a bathing suit though. I do miss the water so much!

Bernice, sounds like your on the mend. Hope the headache leaves so you can enjoy your 4th with the fam!

Anne, that's pretty interesting about taking the break from the diet. I'm afraid I would go totally off plan so don't even want to give it a try. This weekend though, I'm not going to be quite as strict on myself. We're having barbeque chicken, hamburgers, chips, baked beans, orzo salad, and sf jello with ff cool whip. I'm also going to make a green salad. Those who want to have all the bad foods can, but I've covered myself on eating good foods as well.
The 4th is really big here in Woolley. It's a logger town so plenty of wood involved projects go on. It's alot of fun and a full week of activities.

Dusty, I'm glad the lumps aren't something serious. Whew! What a relief.
Have you ever watched FitTV? I forget what channel it is on cable, but they have a show called "Shimmy" and it's all belly dancing exercise. Several times I've turned it on to maybe get up and do it but felt silly. Maybe I'll have to give it a try.

Carol, I figure I did my 5K while mowing the lawn for over an hour but I think I will do another one on Saturday to make sure. Probably a combo of WATP and the treadmill. If it's nice, maybe walk our road about 100 times.

Off I go to get some stuff done around here. We're having David and Amy, my Mom and Dad, Jim and I for the barbeque....if it's not pouring rain. It was coming down in buckets earlier!!
toodles
Debbie

Hi All,

Realcdn.... The Zuchinii recipes sound good!! Can't wait for them to get big!
I never heard of Mulberries before....Never seen them in N.B.
Dogpal... I am glad you had fun at the amusement park!!
Hope you all have agreat holiday!
I walked tonight for 60 min.....And I am down 2 lbs.....Yipeeee

Debbie - that's why I know I have to plan it. Except for one dinner out (promised my mother) I would really just treat it like a diet day with a different target number. For me, if I do that, I should be okay. I know that's really not the point of the whole thing but anything else for me just wouldn't work. I've already portioned too much of lunch options and dinner options so it's not as simple as just eating a little more. I think in theory it's probably very good. I am concerned about the implementation. We'll see.

Angels4u - they're a small purple berry (stains everything) that I remember as a child being quite tasty. Must have been a different variety or I was less picky as a child. Of course the tree just keeps growing and fruiting. Sadly most of them end up on the ground. Hey there - congrats on the 2 lbs down!

Hi Everyone,

I’m not so good about taking part and following up with the personals. I do want to let you know that I’m visiting the forum daily and plan to do my best to not lurk so much.

RealCdn – I know what you mean about the purple bird poop. I’m not sure if we have mulberries in our area, but the birds are certainly getting into something. My car is constantly covered in.

Dusty – You’re looking great! I love the image of you with your mom and sis running around in your suits. I get a visual of some kooky Saturday Night Live skit with Gilda Radner and Jane Curtain. You mentioned that you don’t feel like eating early in the day. I had the same problem. I really have to work at reminding myself to eat something. If I’m really not feeling hungry, I’ll take a few bites of cottage cheese (4 spoons = ¼ cup) and then after a few minutes I’ll have some almonds. It’s not the best breakfast, but at least it’s something. It also helps to get up a bit earlier so by the time I’m truly awake, I’ll feel like eating.

DMPLS – Oh my gosh, your poor head. Your retelling of your accident had a humorous bent, but “you could have put your eye out”. Sorry I couldn’t resist. I hope your headache as disappeared and you’re feeling better. I hate headaches.

For everyone who is having problems with goals, deadlines and everything of that ilk, I’m right there with you. I’ll do fine if I take it easy, each day as it comes. But as soon as I try to make any kind of goal, I’ll be sunk before I get started. Whatever causes it; I’m ok as long as I’m not putting any pressure on myself.

Annie – Your day at the amusement park sounds like a blast. I long for the day when I can go and not have to give a single, solitary thought to “will I fit”. Roller coasters are on my 10 things I’m going to do when…..

Ta Ta,
Miz M

Anne it is nice to see you back. I really missed your posts. I am still doing TBL but posting on average twice a week. Have tried some of the extra challenges. But it is way to much to keep up on for me. I like our 300}+ exercise tally each month much easier to keep track of. I get my new freezer next week. So I have been busy collecting new recipies for the family. I would love to try some of your jam recipies. Did my strawberry which is a family necessity for survival. But I like to switch it up with some nice alternatives.

Debbie54 - Did ya get your weeding done? What do you put in your chicken bean soup?

Debi - I have been doing my 100 push up challenge with my mini tramp 6am before the babysitting kids get here.. Then what ever I get during the day with the kids is just a bonus.

Ratk - Hope your enjoying your visit with your parents. Do your parents cycle too?

Everyone with new pics yall look wonderful. I had put some up before the crash. But will do again when I hit the 30 lbs gone mark.

Bernice - Hope your feeling better. Head wounds always look really bad. A few years ago I had diet coke go down the wrong way, passed out from the pain and cracked my head on the corner of the door. Went to a wedding 30 min later, ER between the ceremony and reception and got me 5 stiches in my eyebrow. New BF who was my date and 1st time meeting my friends did not receive a welcome. They all thought he hit me! Oh memories eh?

And a great big for everyone!

Nancy -- Welcome back!

Maintaining weight loss is HARD!! I CAN see how I could gain back a lot of weight, and that scares me! Good luck getting back on track!

I survived dinner with the cheerleader - I really shouldn't refer to her that way it's just so intimidating to me. She noticed and commented a couple of times about the weight loss.

Tomorrow's challenge - see if she still says something while I'm in a swimsuit.

Catherine - any frozen hot dog throwing?

Happy July 4th to the USAers!

Anne, thank you for the bra information. I'm always looking for decent bras.

DMPLS, omgosh about the head wound!! You are funny about it, but I'm glad the doc in the box could help. I'm sure you properly mortified your DS with the gauze. Hope your headache goes away soon!

Debbie, amazing that you mowed during your boredom. I have a lawn here that needs trimming.. hinthint.. hehe. Have a wonderful time at the Loggerodeo!! Hope it's not too wet.

GGG, on the Wii hulahoops, you stand on the board and roate your hips in a circle. First one way and then another. The Wii Fit will trace your circles after the game is ended to show how well you made a circle and where you need help. hehe. My Mom didn't do so well with it. Sorry about all your rain! eep! Hope you have a blast with cheerleader and swimming today.

Catherine, I hope your huge football game is a success today! Pitch a lot of frozen hot dogs for me. Think about getting that long whip

Dusty, the image of your whole family in goofy sauna suits is hysterical. Your family sounds as nutty as mine. I have a kashi bar in the morning. It has protein and a few carbs. Sorry about the lumps. My mom gets them with caffeine as well. Your description of forking your sister after bringing home the belly dancing video was funny. It's great that you have gotten into it!!

W00h00 Nancy! There you are I'm a WOW player too and have been since the game came out. There's definitely a balance between playing an online game and life. On the plus side, I've met some great people there and met them IRL as well. I missed you lots too!!

Annie, w00h00 on season passes to the amusement park! You guys must live close? I hope you are feeling better now and the antibiotics did their job.

MizM, no worries about personals. Some days I have time for them, but most days not. I'm hoping everyone knows that I read each and every post and think positive and strengthening thoughts for all. It's sorta like a mini-prayer because I have connected with each and every one of you.

Realist, how you doing today? Do you have any plans?

Julia, poor dad does not bicycle, but Mom does. BikerMa is her alterego! I got my commuter bike set up for her. We rode about 4 miles yesterday to and from the farmer's market in town. Then I cooked steak on the grill, corn on the cob, and fresh squash/zuchinni and onions for them (all low sodium). We are going shopping today as soon as I wake up BikerMa. Dad and I have been up for a while.

Hugs and Luv,
Ratkity

My 5k last night turned into 3.63 miles in an hour. Today's will be 3.1 due to time constraints. Hope you all enjoy your day and your 5k.

Everyone please be safe today.

Carol -- Way to go on the movement. I've sort of done 2 5ks already. Yesterday we walked to and from downtown for dinner -- 1.5 miles each way plus some extra walking downtown. Not all at once.

But Wednesday, I did about an hour on the elliptical and managed about 3.7 miles!

I'm waiting to report them, as I might have more!

I worked 8 hours solid last night. The game time temperature on the field was over 90F. The zipper pull thermometer on my backpack read 105F back in the cool part of the kitchen. It must have been 120 up by the ovens. We were putting ice under our hats, and rolling ice up in towels for our necks. The game wasn't decided until the last 30 seconds in a come from behind victory for us, so no one went home early, and when we're winning they drink more, so they eat more. I went to the washroom right before leaving, and I swear the whole stadium smelled of beer. I think it was coming out of people's pores.

The part that was really odd, was as people in the front at the cash registers came back to sit for a bit to rest, they all wanted to talk about my book. I've had more women want to see the scars on my right knuckles where I hit the guy. It's like a symbol of female empowerment to them, and I have to remind them that I didn't exactly win the fight, but I guess the idea that I didn't go down without a fight is important to them. Everyone had a different part that talked to them. One woman last night who was widowed 2 years ago talked about the part in the book where I break up with Ken. How she related to the fact I wasn't so much upset at giving up Ken, as I was about what he represented. She said becoming widowed made her lose that identity as a married woman. A lot of people are talking to me about the whole not being able to accept help thing. I swear I've got people opening up to me about really personal things that the book brought up for them.

One woman took hers to the big Catholic conference in Quebec, and only got to page 67 before someone important borrowed it off her. Then the borrower avoided her for the rest of the week in fear she'd have to give it back. When she got it back on the way home, she thought she'd read it on the plane, but it rained at the last ceremony, and it got wet, and she had to wait until it dried out. I had a nun grab 6, and she's been loaning them out back and forth. The legislative library even bought a copy. That's kind of Alberta's version of the Library of Congress. It's become the highest seller that Golden Meteorite has ever had. Granted they normally only print political science reference books on election statistics that only libraries buy, but still.

It seems like the whole thing has consumed my life for the last 6 months, but I'm finally seeing some light. It has just about overwhelmed me at times, and I have to find some kind of balance again soon. It's all been so unexpected, I think in part because I have no real emotional reaction to reading it. So the emotional response I've been getting in return from readers isn't computing easily. I don't know what to say when someone tells me they used a whole box of kleenex reading it, or took a vacation day to read it in one sitting. I'm clueless. I guess one of these days, I will have an emotional reaction to it again, and God help himself when that happens.

Happy 4th everyone!!
NO real plans for us today.Im doing bbq chicken in the oven..its raining here now. I think I will just plan a meal I want and go with it. Kids all 3 have plans so its just me and hubby today. I think I will make it a lazy day here. If the rain stops we have fireworks at our local airport but we can see them from our house.
dmpls- glad your ok after the accident!! Enjoy your kids being home today!! Hope your family has a wonderful day and the rain stays away.
carol_ glad you enjoyed dinner. Have fun today swimming.
catherine_ wow I would have had trouble working in that kind of heat!! I hate being hot.
rat_ have fun with your parents and shopping
julia_ I love my minitramp! Now just dragging it into the living room daily.LOL
no time to finish personal as a car just pulled into my driveway...better get dressed fast!!