Morning all.

Annie – Happy Birthday!! I hope you have a wonderful day. I see on FB that you made a birthday dessert – what did you make?? Was this something you brought to work to share with your co-workers??

Terra – I hope you like your new workout dvd. If you don’t want to wait for the exercise mat, just use a beach towel. I’m pretty sure the only of us that could be having a wonderful Saturday is Shad – and I think she’s working a half day, so perhaps not a wonderful Saturday. It’s still Friday for the rest of us, LOL. Hope you enjoy seeing “Jurassic World”.

Shad – Good thing you didn’t have any travel plans this weekend with you having to work a half day on Saturday. Hope you get some relaxation in during the rest of your weekend.

Happy – Sounds like you’ll be busy for a while yet. You asked about the movie “Spy” and today I listened to a podcast with a couple movie critics reviewing it. They seemed to like it, and they enjoyed Jason Statham’s role as well as Melissa McCarthy’s. That’s good to hear – actors probably can’t have too many bad ones before the film offers dry up (and I’d heard that Tammy and Identity Thief didn’t do very well).

Susie – Hope you’re enjoying your vacation!!

Michelle - Thanks for lending your support for the Hawks Stanley Cup run! And speaking of runs - have fun doing the Bubble Run this weekend!! Make sure you get some photos!!

Hello to Dee. Hope your week was productive and pleasant.
--
I didn’t do the bike ride last night – it was overcast and it did end up sprinkling a bit later on. I think I’ve decided that I’d prefer bicycling on bike paths versus doing the rides on streets. So depending on what the Sunday rides are, I may or may not end up doing any bike club rides at all. Oh well, at least the membership was cheap.

It rained during the evening and night last night and it’s raining this morning, so there will be no digging at the dirt pile tomorrow - it'll be too wet.

I have a dentist appointment tomorrow morning. Nothing else planned for the day.

Our giant patio storage box has already arrived, so I imagine bf will put that together. Bf installed the new blinds in the DR last week. They were cut to the correct width at the store, but they don't remove the extra slats at the bottom to get to the correct length. Lucky me, bf saved that part for me. So that'll be something I do this weekend.

On Sunday I’m meeting a former co-worker for breakfast. The place we’re meeting at is about 5 miles away – it might be nice to cycle over there. I just wish I were more familiar with the streets. I did a quick Google maps of a bike route, and it seems like they are all non-busy streets…maybe I need to have my phone in my pocket and turn on the navigation during my ride. All weather permitting, of course. And there's the possibility that bf will join us, so if that's the case, we'll drive over.

I’ve gotten so sick of having nothing nice to wear to work. Seems like I’ve been putting a good amount of clothing in the donation pile and not buying anything new. I must do some shopping this weekend. I went through some of the Mt. Mail last night and see that I have a Kohl's coupon. Only 15% off, but it's better than nothing.

Okay, back to work. Everyone have a great weekend!

LAURA....I made a twinkie strawberry cake and yes brought it in and shared with co-workers.

Twinkies (Dreamies by Tasty Cake) cut in half long ways, place in 9x13 pan, cream side up.

Mix 1 - 8oz cream cheese, container of cool whip (med size), and 2T of sugar till creamy. Spread over twinkies.

Mix pint of strawberries cut in half with the gel goo stuff (like for shortcakes) Spread over cream cheese layer.

Refrigerate. Very very simple and quite tasty.

Annie - Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!! I know you miss your father, but he's sending you birthday wishes from heaven. Do you have any fun plans for your birthday weekend? I'm a loser and didn't get a card in the mail yet. The Twinkie strawberry cake sounds good...well, I'd just have the strawberries and cool whip to avoid dumping, but I wish I could have a piece of that dessert. I so wish I was like you and didn't like sweets.

Ceejay - Glad you got to talk with Social Security and that you have an appointment to meet with an agent on the 25th. I hope you can get an appointment with your insurance agent before then so that you can have your insurance questions answered before you meet with Soc. Security.

Terra - Thanks for sharing the info about the workout DVD. I've always like Valerie Bertinelli. I checked some Zumba DVDs out from the library and I'm going to try them out on Sunday. Have a great time at Jurassic World. I'm thinking about seeing it...just not sure when.

Happy - I'll be house sitting for another week. They get home on Saturday the 20th. Thanks for the warning about the color run and the powder. I asked my trainer and she confirmed about the powder I of course plan to use my inhalers before the run, so hopefully that will help. When I was picking up my Bubble Run race bib and packet, I happened to ask a woman in line ahead of me if she'd ever done the color run. She had. I asked about the powder, and she said that many people put a bandana around their neck so they can cover their nose/mouth with it if the color powder becomes too much. I've got about a month to prepare for the color run. Maybe by then I'll be able to run the whole thing. Bummer that your DH and you drove all the way to Duluth and weren't able to find what he was looking for. Sounds like you have a lot of fun classes to look forward to this fall. Your weekend sounds as busy as mine.

Laura - Happy's right...that's a very sweet offer to help your friend out with a ride so she can get checked out. Sounds like you have a good weekend planned. I hope you're able to find a nice balance between fun, productive and shopping.

===============

So my friends' grown son will be getting back from the Alaska trip this afternoon. He came back a week before his parents because he has to leave for his summer job on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning at the latest. My plan is to still stay at my friends' house this weekend even though their son will be home. That way, he doesn't have to worry about the house and dogs and chickens being taken care of while he prepares to leave for his summer job. I'm pretty sure his summer job is working at either a wilderness camp in the Sierra mountains or something like that. Not sure if I mentioned this but he is pursuing a career as a park ranger. He's a really nice and very respectful young man.

Yesterday after work, I picked up my race bib and packet for the Bubble Run. I'm meeting up with a woman from one of my Weight Loss Surgery support groups, so hopefully she'll be able to take some photos of me before the race and also covered in bubbles/suds.

Today after work, I've got a group personal training session. I wonder how many new ways my trainer will come up with to torture us She really pushes us, which is good because I know I don't push myself that hard when I work out on my own.

Gotta get back to work.

Much love to all,

Michelle - LindaT did one of these a while back and had problems with her eyes afterwards. Perhaps you need to check with her for some answers.
Just thinking .......

Hi Ladies,

I came across this....and after I had calmed down from getting all hot and "bothered", I just had to share it in honor of our dearly departed friend Mel.

http://barkpost.com/hot-firefighters-rescue-pups/

Have a great weekend everyone!

Love and hugs,

AnnieHAPPY BIRTHDAY I've not made the cake but when I have strawberries I use the Twinkies for the sponge cake.

Happy
The person I talked to at the Social Security office told me to keep my insurance for the secondary for the time being. I didn't take the Social Security but will next year. I'm still going to talk to the insurance person.

Shad
I understand about the 12 hour days.

Michelle
Be careful running with the suds. It does sound like fun.

Hi Everyone!

Thank you all for the Happy Birthday wishes and the advice on turning 50. I've decided I'm embracing it and going to live each day/minute the fullest and also live presently.

We arrived home late last night from our DC trip.

We had a wonderful time! It was very, very hot in DC. We did most of our touring of the monuments in the early morning or in the evening around 7 p.m.

During the day we spent our time in the museums (and I still have many that I want to visit that I didn't get to so I must go back sometime). We also visited Mt. Vernon and Arlington Cemetery.

The trip home was long! A lot of construction and DH got a speeding ticket. There went $80! He passed a semi-truck and at that point was going 80 in a 65. Let's just say that DH was not happy for many miles driving home. I just read my book

Today we don't get to stay home. My nieces turned 8 yesterday and have a birthday party today at the pool. We are going for an hour (no playing in the pool for me) and then we are going to Columbus for a graduation/going away party for my cousin Taylor who graduated from OSU and is moving to DC to work in DC. She has a degree in Public Communications (like her Aunt..my cousin that I just visited) and has an intern job (that they think will get her an offer). She moves there this coming Wed.

I tried to skim the posts to catch up.

Laura: I have a new found respect for you and all the commuting you do to work with walking/biking to the train, then taking the train to and from work. I have no idea how you do it! and in work clothes!

Annie: I'm a bit late wishing you a Happy Birthday here (but did on Facebook--I did it from my phone in the car).

I hope you enjoyed your (and your dad's) birthday! That is very special that you were his birthday gift when you were born. I'm sure he was smiling down on you!

Dee: I gave Laura and Annie dates that KI is open in October and I don't remember them right now. It would be wonderful if you or anyone else could join us. Annie/Laura: do you remember?

Terra: How did the doctor appointment go?

Ceejay: Which fitbit did you get that you found to be to complicated? I am getting mine back out and charged and starting to wear it tomorrow...when I start my new 6 week weight loss challenge for myself.

Michelle: When is the Bubble Run? you are going to love doing 5ks. They are addicting!

Shad: Ugh! 12 hr days...I know those too well. I hope they don't last long.

Happy: When is your cataract surgery? The fall class on essential oils sounds very interesting.

I must get off here and get a shower and to the bank before noon.

I'll see you all tomorrow!

Morning all,

Quick hello from me. I have to get outside and finish the planting - flowers and some herbs and replace my frost killed cucumber plants. I went to yoga yesterday. It was hard because the Kundalini is more energetic but my body was complaining about lack of exercise even though I have been busy. I felt better when I was done. The only problem was we were near double side by side patio doors. There is a gap between them and there were ants all over the floor. Crawling on my mat, crawling on my floor. It was really difficult to concentrate. I gave everything a good shake before I packed things up. Then I headed to the thrift shop with the intention of only dropping some things off - maybe an hour's visit. Told DH I'd be home around 1pm. It was chaos there - one of those days when lots needed to be decided and done. I did not get home until 4PM. DH was pretty mad at me that I didn't call to say I'd be late. I told him I never intended to stay that long. I must have said at least 5 times - I have to GO. And then something would creep up. Like... as I was FINALLY leaving for the last time, I got a call - could I pick up a gift basket on the way out from one of the local businesses for our fund raiser tonight? Sure. Of Course. I was really tired when I got home, warmed up some leftovers for DH. Made the 2nd half of my salmon for me. I then went to the garden but I didn't have the energy to plant. The garden was dry - we didn't get the forecasted rain, so I at least watered things even though I don't like to water in the evening. It's been on the cool side so the beans are doing well but the tomatoes are just sort of sitting there. It's still early in the season, once it hits the 80's the tomatoes will take off. And then tonight I am helping with a humane society fundraiser. Cocktails and appetizers, live and silent auctions. Then a comedy routine for entertainment. There will be a montage of videos submitted of people's pets. I wish we got more than 4 entries as they are each only a minute long.

Anyway I have to get moving if I am going to accomplish anything today.

Susie - welcome home

Annie - hope you had a nice birthday. The cake sounds tasty.

Shad - sorry you are on the long shift - I don't know how you keep doing it.

Michelle - enjoy the bubble run

Laura - re: Kohl's - I do shop online mostly because the nearest store is an hour away, but mostly I do it because you can get the best discounts online. Retailmenot always has coupons - 30 percent off and free shipping if you are an MVC customer. Anyway, hope you find some nice clothes.

Hi Terra - how's the video going?

Dee - still crazy busy??

Ok ladies, I'm off to get dirty. Better personals tomorrow

Aargh. Been busy trying to have a weekend. Since the weather wasn't good I ended up at Underwater world. See the photos on face book. I will post some here but not tonight. I've just spent an age getting them on Facebook. Maybe tomorrow.

The landlady brought around some cake and rhubarb today. Nice of her but don't tell anyone, my banana cake is better than hers.

Se you tomorrow - hopefully I won't be falling asleep over the keyboard.

Morning everyone,

We had a successful fundraiser yesterday in spite of the unplanned last minute rain that moved us from plan A outdoor event to plan B indoor event. We raised some nice money, although I have to admit it was because of several big spender supporters.

I am way behind already on far too many things to get done today and tomorrow. Just checking in while I drink my coffee this morning.

Shad, I loved the pictures you posted of Underwater World. Those penguins are gorgeous. Looks like a fascinating place. Are you enjoying being back in the homeland again?

Susie - glad you enjoyed your vacation. Yikes on the speeding ticket. I swear there are speed traps including my home state that use cheezy excuses on out of towners just because they know they won't come back to fight the ticket.

Coffee cup is drained, clock keeps ticking. Better get moving. Enjoy your Sunday ladies.

Had a blast at the Bubble Run yesterday! I ran about 1 to 1.5 miles of the 5K (3.2 mile) race. I finished in just over 45 minutes.

Today, I have a migraine...so I'm taking it easy.

Congratulations on finishing the run Michelle. Good job!

I got some of my million things to do done. Finished laundry, did some decluttering, spent most of the day outside working. Got flowers planted, swapped out the cucumbers - had to rearrange the spinach to make room because I bought too many replacement cucumber plants. Had a talk with my strawberry plants and begged them not to take off into my tomato plants - they are only in a temporary home there. Got my herbs planted. Roasted an almost 5 pound fresh chicken I got from my farm supplier. It was so delicious. I was just a bit perturbed that the rub must have had cheese in it because it burned a bit. But the chicken was moist and juicy - even DH commented that the texture was "light" and way better than store bought chicken. I also made a chunky potato salad and opted for a bag of frozen corn because by the time I got in, I didn't have the energy to make corn on the cob or the arugula / rocket salad. I was eating arugula straight from the garden as I was watering. It's peppery bite is growing on me and there is such a huge difference between in garden and store bought. Like cucumbers and tomatoes. I tried lettuce a couple of times, it never came out for me so I'll stick with the spinach and arugula before it gets too warm and bolts on me. It was nice to pick fresh dill, chives and parsley for the potato salad. DH moved the solar water fountain over to the planter box. Now when we look out the window we both think the bear is in the yard But no sign of him/her/them in 2 days. Hopefully they have moved on to someplace else with more food.

I am so tired. I have to get up early tomorrow - we are having friends over at 4 for dinner. What was I thinking to make it so early? I am copping out and making pasta - vegetarian for the girls and tomato with Italian sausage for the boys. And an interesting looking caprese garlic bread that looked so yummy. Since I was outside most of the day I still have to vacumn and wash floors, clean the baths and dust. And shop for dinner items but I may send DH out for them as I only need a few things like the bread. I will not complete everything, I will not stress and I will not be doing an open tour of my home - this time around

Just wanted to check in. Forgive me for no personals. I will catch up Tuesday for sure. Thanks.

Evening all,
Short day today - only did 11 hours. Must be getting on top of things :P

Annie - hope you had a great birthday. Sounded like you were getting into the swing of things

Michelle - congratulations on the run. You've come a long way since that surgery.

Susie - great that you had a good holiday. Should be more of them.

Happy - yes I am happy to be back, however I don't think AKL is the place for me - big city, too much traffic, too many idiots - and that doesn't include the politicians, too expensive particularly in housing and that is vastly over rated.
You have certainly been a busy little bunny lately.


Penguins for Michelle


Moon Jellyfish



Nemo and his brother



That's it, going before I lose the lot. This is not behaving.
More later

Monday Morning....rain, rain, and more rain. Supposed to be hot and humid all week long with scattered thunder storms through Friday. Makes for miserable walks at lunch time. May move my time out of the office to around 9, if it is not raining and take my walk then.

Birthday was ok on Friday. Didn't do much, stayed home and ate left over pizza for dinner. Saturday night my brother and SIL took us out to dinner and gave me a very pretty butterfly wind chime. Just gorgeous. It is already up and fluttering. C also gave me a windchime and lovely card then took me to Red Lobster for birthday lunch after church yesterday. All and all it was a nice weekend. After dinner on Saturday evening, we went by Sissy's and visited with them and the kids. Lil Royce is cutting his molars and has a runny nose and slight fever. Darn, get one kid healthy and the other gets it. My house cleaner (Sissy) is off for the summer as she has too many kids everyday to make it over to clean. On her slowest day she has 5 kids, and on her busiest day she has 9. Thank God only two are now in diapers. So after lunch yesterday I cleaned my house from top to bottom. I only have dusting of my bedroom left to do and glass cleaning (sliding door, Tv screens and mirrors). Hope to get that finished tonight. Did 5 loads of laundry as I washed my comforter and bed linens and put the bed back together. Time goes too fast cause I feel like I am washing bed linens daily. Did a little weed pulling in the rocks along the drive. And a very nice surprise, my son pulls up around 4 pm to visit and also go estimate a bathroom remodel job near my house. He came back after and we went to the little chinese joint, I had a shrimp roll and water as I was still too full from lunch. He had General Taos chicken with lo mein. We then went over to Sissy's for a short visit so he could see the boys. Got home around 7, he and C went fishing out on our pond, I melted in the lazy boy chair. Exhausted. Son left around 9 and I went to bed. Whew.

CHELLE...cograts on the bubble run. Amazing how far you have come and the confidence you have gained in yourself. I love the firemen pix with the doggie. I will take both, thank you. lol.

SUSIE...I don't remember the dates that you shot us for KI. I will see if I can find them somewhere. We need to make sure KI is open on the weekends in October. I am still down only 25 lbs and home to be down another 20. Kind of at a stand still and need to get back at it. Your vacation sounded wonderful, bummer on DH getting a speeding ticket. Out of towners always get hit harder, IMO. Good thing you were not in Indiana as the minimum ticket here is 225.00, double in work zones of which we have many.

SHADDIE...12 hour work days are not good for you, unless you onely do 3 and off 5. Not happening. Hope you are getting caught up and don't have to put that many hours in. The pictures you posted are quite beautiful.

HAPPY...you are braver than I. Couldn't do the ant exercising. Of course there was added movement by doing the ant dance while doing yoga. But you are supposed to be serene when yoga-ing. You put more hours in the thrift shop since you quit volunteering than you did before. Hope you get the rest of your garden in before long.

CEEG...you will get the insurance figured out before too long. It is just a lot to absorb right at first. The decisions as to what to do can be hard, but once done you will be glad.

Hello to all of you. A huge thank you for the birthday wishes. On to father's day. Bleh.

Hugs

Hi ladies,

Feeling blue today. I've been struggling with something for several weeks and I've been too ashamed to reach out. Unfortunately, I found out in April that my dumps with certain sweets aren't that bad. (Dumps - or dumping - is what happens to most weight loss surgery patients if they eat foods high in sugar or carbs - symptoms can include extreme nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, sweating, and sometimes vomiting.) Unfortunately, when I eat ice cream and some other sweets, I get a little bit queasy but not that bad - not enough to deter me.) Ever since, I've been testing my "limits". I feel like such a complete idiot for even trying sweets. I'm not even 7 months out and my weight loss has completely stalled because of my addiction to sweets (specifically ice cream). I have finally come out of my denial and realized that what i used to call emotional eating is truly a food/sugar addiction.

In my WLS orientation, surgeon said that he only makes the stomach smaller...he doesn't fix the "head" issues that got many of us to obesity. I kept telling myself, right...but since I'll dump if I eat sweets, I'll be able to resist them. Unfortunately, since my dumps aren't that bad....I'm having trouble resisting.

I feel so ashamed and depressed that I'm sabotaging myself. I do not want to gain my weight back. I'm 30 lbs away from the goal weight my surgeon set for me. I need to regain control.

I just started reading a book on Food Addiction, and I'm looking into meeting times for groups like OA. I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Please no judging though....seriously, I'm beating myself up and admonishing my behavior plenty. I'm such a frickin' idiot.