A very Good Morning to everyone!

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CHRISTIAN, so good to see you... I don't think you know me, but I remember your posts in the past. I will hold your father's girlfriend in my prayers for sure! I hope that you will come back and let us know how she is doing. People do recover from pneumonia with high white blood cell's (which indicate infection)... so have hope. I will lift you ~All~ up.
God Bless! (((Hugs)))

WILMA, it's so good to hear from you. Me too... I do well all day with watching what I eat and I exercise, but I am still munching on nuts in the evening. Nuts are good, but not at night! I wake up feeling like a water-balloon That's what I said before too ~ wonder why when you feel so well, following your program, that you fall off and make yourself ill. I have done it time & time again... human behavior is odd, isn't it. Feel better soon and I will say a prayer that you will be back on track again real soon. So far so good for me... what I have been doing is making conscience decisions as each moment passes ~ is this what I really want to do. It works well for me - except at night in front of the TV! Then... ... I don't think I am aware of what I am doing, cuz I am not plugged into me I am plugged into the program Gotta work on that!

GARY, glad you are getting in your elliptical! I am going to do my later today. I went to Curves yesterday and will go again tomorrow. As far as the weather goes... well we DID get some SUN yesterday... Thank-you!!!! And this morning our temps were in the 30's (balmy ), but they are dropping again now & the winds are picking up. We have a huge storm coming off Lake Erie and it's heading right for us. We are expecting about 6 - 8 more inches of snow by tomorrow morning. Some melted with the sunshine we had yesterday. We got a roof-leak in our hallway yesterday from the ice dam's on the roof! Joe had to go up there yesterday (came home early from work) and had to shovel it all off and break up the ice to stop the leaking. So far so good. Now I have this ugly stain about 4 - 5" in dia. on the ceiling. Have to get some stain-kill and repaint. You two keep getting better!!!! All these colds!

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Oh, by-the-way, I did hear from ANGEL on the other thread and she is just very busy at the station where she works... Take Care ANGEL!

(((Hugs))) for everyone!!!
Have a OP Day!!!

Awweee MICHELE, I am so very sorry! Please let Les know that he and his family are in my prayers. Boy, the Lord is sure bringing his flock home these days ~ sad for us, but a Joy for them... no more pain. Please know that I care very much and am lifting you up as well! You will get back on track again, Michele... you are strong in character and can do it! You just reacted to some bad news...

God Bless!

From reading all the posts since I last posted sounds like we are all on the right track - eating right and exercising.

I sure am feeling better now that I have been doing the 'no bread / no potatoe' thing. It has been 22 days now and I am pleased that I have been able to continue this long - I know see where I can do to it. I have had potatoes 1 time - boiled - and also have had some fries. Bread - 6 slices total in 22 days. I don't consider that I binged or 'went of program' as I consciously decided to eat them. When I look at my food record prior to January 1 I see that I would be eating potatoes every day - and much more than 1/2 cup portion size, and bread, well that is another story - most days it would be at least 4 but usually more like 6 or 8 by the time the day finished. So to have had what I have had in 22 days is good - I have shown to myself that I can control this problem - and I will continue to control it. I am now finding that I don't really want potatoes at all for supper. What I do have to still watch though is the fries - if I decided to have '2' I find I am reaching for '4' so I am having to work on that one.

I have increased my walking. When hubby and I go walking we go to the Rec Plex and I get in 1 mile, then we stop and have 'coffee - I have bottled water' with our walking friends for 1/2 hour. If hubby is really hungry and decides to eat at this time, I will have scrambled eggs and my water, nothing else. When we finish, then we stop back at the Rec Plex and do another mile walk before going home. This helps because we don't have to come back in the afternoon. This way I get in 2 miles each time hubby is home from work in the morning. Today he told me that in order to help me with my walking we will be 'increasing it' somewhat. What he wants us to do is on days when he is home in the morning to do as mentioned above. Then when there is a day missed because of him being away to work, when he returns we will walk as mentioned above in the morning, then in the afternoon at 2 pm we will return to the Rec Plex for 1 more mile so on those days I will get in 3 miles - just giving a bit of a boost for the day missed. And of course I am using my treadmill and doing weight toning. I am not recording the treadmill or toning but am putting in 1/2 - 1 hour a day on the treadmill and every other day doing 1/2 hour with the weights. For my walking now that I have hit 700 miles my total for 2004 I would like to have reached 1,000 which is very doable. Breaking it down, I am now working on reaching 800 miles hopefully by the beginning of April.

Well, lots of things to get done around here - need to get the roast in the oven for supper, get lunch on for the kids, clothes to be washed, bathrooms to be cleaned, living room to be vacuumed. So better run

Hi ! I just finished catching up again, seems like I have been gone forever. I have been working really weird hours and again with my computer at my neighbor's- (I don't have a phone, or cable) She is like my mom so it works out well, anyway her son and dil and 2 kids are still there, they should be moving into their new house in a couple weeks, Her son works swing shifts so sleeping alot during day, (My computer in their bedroom) as is normally spare bedroom But limited access lately.
E.Z- Thanks for trying to send the sun, but we have had record lows the last week and a half, down to 50 below in some parts (win d chill anyway, burr) But the days are getting longer, so we are getting closer Great job, competing with sunny on elliptical machine.
Sunny- So sorry to hear your friend passed away, but you are right, He is in a better, brighter place. Great job on the exercise!
Mitchy- Wow woman down 11 pounds way to go! I chose red, as E.Z. said you were a player, I thought it would be flashier ha ha ha
Sprout- Hi there big congrats to you too! on all that walking and exercise, and loosing as well, how exciting new clothes!
Angel- hi there hope your still doing fine, bummer when computer gets virus, come back and let us know how your doing!
garnet5- nice to have you here and happy belated birthday
Christian I pray all goes well with dad's girlfriend, and welcome back!

I was afraid it was getting too long, and I would lose it. My pastor got a clean bill of health from his pet scan, and he has been removed from all chemotherapy, He gets rescanned in 3 months, and they will see if it starts again, but the doctors at dartmouth/hitchcock, were just amazed. They said, to him, well "you" have extra help meaning because he is a pastor, he is given special consideration by God. He said to them yes, I do have help but you could have it too! So, they at least believe the Lord intervened, but think it was because he was a pastor, he has gotten the opportunity to witness a lot while this has transpired. He is still at extreme high risk of reoccurance. I would appreciate your praying for him still. Thanks I have started writing to soldiers that need encouragement, that recieve no mail or packages, I got a list off their names and have started mailing cards and challenging others to as well. So, they at least recieve mail. Just one more thing on my laundry list to do. I hope to pop in tom. or definitely this weekend to see whats up remember your in my prayers.
God Bless!

Hello I am so sorry I have been gone so long where has the time gone? I am still not feeling well. The cold weather has been really hard on me. I am going to see a fibromyalgia speicalist after our insurance changes in March so please pray that this dr is able to help me. Enough about me! Sunny and sorry about your friends passing I know it is hard to say goodbye but it is eaiser when you know they are in heaven. And Mitchypoo I am praying for Les even when we know they are better off it is hard to lose a parent! I read your post and I wonder if you might have fibromyalgia also. I know for me I feel like I have been hit by a truck most days. And no matter what I do or the meds I take it really doesn't help. It is hard to have pain every single day of your life. (some days the pain is only a 5 that is the good days) A big welcome to Garnet and Christian. I love this group they keep me going. Sue we have missed you. When is your trip? Ez I am glad you and your wife are doing well. I wish I could work out that hard but if I did I be in the hospital! Sprout You are my hero you are doing so well! Keep up the good work! Wilma I will keep you in my prayers I know at night it is harder at night. You are being lifted in prayers. Well I better go I just got a call.

Miss you all,
Sami

Sorry I missed ya sami- and also sorry your not feeling well, will pray that soon your feeling much better! Thanks for missing me, it is nice to hear. I am going to Alaska- on June 24th-July 17th. I have promised E.Z. room in my suitcase, but I am sure I could sqeeze you in to if you would like, ha ha anyway, will lift you up in prayer for healing. Wilma I missed you too some how, My worst time is also at night so I can simpathize. catch ya tom. God Bless!

[B]LOOKS LIKE RERUNS ON CSI AND ER TONIGHT....ARGHHHH..... ANGIE SAID " AHH GEE-- now I have to get up at 5am to exercise in the morning". She usually takes friday mornings off since she stays up late to watch ER.

Well all is fair here. I have a physical on Monday, did blood work this week, and the nurse called to tell me good news on that-- my cholesterol is down to 171 HDL 58 and LDL 94-- not great numbers but 2 years ago I was at 271 with LDL at 189-- last year overall it was 216. Mine is hereditary so my diet doesn't lower it enough (HA! LIKE IT WOULD!) so Lipitor seems to be doing the work. If the rest comes out as well I'll be good for another 50-- - haven't made the first 50 yet-- but closing fast!!

doitformeSUE Good to hear from you-- wish you could get that computer in your place. Still trying to get down to size for "OUR" trip-- how big is that suitcase anyways? GREAT news on your pastor-- he is in good hands that is for sure!! I think that is so super what you are doing for our troops-- WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU!!! PEOPLE THAT DO SOMETHING- RATHER THAN SIT AROUND AND COMPLAIN!! I don't think anyone wants this war-- but with people like you and ANGEL praying and doing things the boys/girls will be blessed through that.

SAMI Man I am so sorry you still are not feeling well -- I have never lived where it is so cold-- I don't think I would like it. I know when it gets cold here- in the low 50's- HEY stop I have a hard time getting going-- can't even imagine what some of you gals do-- some say you get used to it-- but I dunno! I am praying that in March you see a specialist that really answers prayers for you. It must be so hard to deal with the pain, then have to work and have all those kids to look after. PRAYERS!!

WILMA- Glad to hear you are a little better at least. Try to get healthy snacks for just 2 weeks for the evening-- maybe you will aquire a taste for that instead. How did the bathroom lessons go! Happy to hear your lunches are good. Catch up here when you can-- how is CURVES?

SPROUT Sure is good to hear your husband going with you. Supporting each other is a great way to succeed!

MICHELE Prayers for Les and his family-- so sorry to hear that. We have an Arbys in our town but to be honest I have not been there since Angie and I have been together, about 9 years-- it is on the other side of town and a hassle to get to, I like it there though! Good food! Had a salad at Jack-IN-Box with my cousin today-- still put on the almonds,croutons and all the dressing! Have fun at work!

SUNNYD Hey dear- I did 31 minutes (30 and a 1 minute cool down) 3.5 miles and 430 calories today-- I tightened it up 2 notches so it was a little harder-- I wouldn't worry at all on what they say for lost calories-- I don't think they are too accurate-- I remember when I used to go to the gym-- the treadmill for 45 minutes said one thing on burned cals, then I would go to the bike for 45 minutes-easier-- and it would read a lot more burned-- then I would go to the stairmaster they had for "15" minutes and it would be twice what the other 1 and a half hours combined read. Bottom line-- you KNOW if you are burning them-- if you are feeling the work the next day in your legs like that-- IT'S WORKING!!! KEEP IT UP!! increase when you can. I read that you will burn off the same amount of calories when you go a mile-- no matter how fast you do it, walking, jogging or running-- it is the distance, not the time. Although if you walk it could be 15 minutes or more vs. 8 or so minutes if you run- so if you JOG for 30 minutes you will burn more than WALKING for 30 minutes-- but if you just go a mile and stop-- burned cals are the same-- HECK you know that! Did you use KILZ on your water damage? Watch out for mold-- sometimes spraying bleach (KEEP EYES PROTECTED!!) will kill any mold from water damage-- if Joe can get above the ceiling and spray it (crawl space?).

Well I hope all is well for your families, off to my recliner.....

Well Hello SUE! Always good to see you back! I too cannot wait till you can have your own computer space and check in with us more. I bet you just cannot wait to go on that trip in June & July! I have heard that those cruises are fantastic! Speaking of fantastic... so great to hear about your pastor! He'll stay in my prayers for continued good health.

Come back again soon

Awwe SAMI, I hope you begin to feel better real soon, my heart really goes out to you! You deserve a break from illness & pain! You are in my thoughts and continued prayers!!!

Hey there GARY, Good news on your cholesterol! 58 is a great number for HDL! Do you know what mine is?!? It's 80! Yep, 80!! The Dr. was joking around with me and told me it wasn't fair that I had such a high - good number for HDL & he had to work so hard to keep his good numbers. It must be the nuts I eat or just in my blood... who knows. My hubby's is 55, so he has good HDL also. For men ~ 60 is REAL GOOD! So you are doing wonderfully! Men have lower numbers then women and it's normal.

Thanks for making me feel better about the calorie counts on the machines... I do know they vary, but it seemed like allot of difference. I am a little bit peeved that as I workout I seem to gain allot of weight! I went from 204 (& dropping) to 207 this morning!!!!! I am still watching my diet and exercising more then ever! Why do I gain so much and feel so bloated in my clothes! I hope it goes away real soon. It's probably my muscles swelling, huh... I just haveta give it time. Thanks Gary!

Tell ANGIE, I was bummed over all the reruns too! Seems that's all we get these days! Reruns! I remember a time that during the winter months we always had new shows & then in the summer when people were outdoors more they would play reruns... now it's "all the time!"

Yes, KILZ is what Joe said he will use before we paint the ceiling... thanks for the bleach note. We will do that... we don't have a crawl-space in our Manufactured Home, but we are able to spray the bleach on the stains to prevent the mold. I am highly sensitive to molds!

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Well, we didn't get anywhere's near 6-8 inches of snow - only about 2", but boy-o-boy is it ever COLD!!!! Right now it is only 4* and we have a windchill of -10 to -12*... I am not going out to do Curves this morning! I will just do my elliptical again. So many ladies are going to Curves ILL! What's up with that?! Don't they care that they will spread their germs onto you from the machines? I suppose it could happen anytime, but right now it seems to be very bad. I wonder if they wipe the machines down? I am going to ask when I go back in next.

I'm off to get some breakfast & then go do my workout for today... I'll check in again later.

Thinking of your MICHELE - hope you are doing better today!

PS>>> You guys... I was just trying to send off my post and lost it all! I am so glad that I had the whole letter on my e-mail (as if I were writing a letter)... & all I had to do was highlight the post, right click -copy- and then right click -paste- onto here and I had the whole post back... no bumming out here

Thanks for all the warm welcomes back guys
Dads girlfriend has been sudated this morning and her oxygen changed, we are not sure that this is good news but we are believing that it will be what is needed for her to recover I will keep you all posted...and hope to share a praise report very soon

Well, Hello CHRISTIAN... So good to see you again. And it sounds as if your DF's girlfriend is well on her way to recovery. I will continue to hold you all in my thoughts and prayers.

GARY, Here is a link of my elliptical machine that Joe & I got last Christmas: http://www.bodytrends.com/orbitrek.htm

It's not as nice as my SIL's machine that is way larger and smoother & cost about $2,300.00 more then mine, but we had to keep it small with the space we have and still get a good machine. I like it, just wondered what you thought...

Hi ANGEL, Good to see you posting here again, we missed you! I am glad to hear that you had such a good day with your DD before she left. She and the GK's will be back before you know it, you'll see. I think it's great that her DH will be back in the U.S. and reunited with his family again. In the meantime, you make sure you take some time to recover from the past few weeks of running around for your station... sounded like you could use a bit of time for yourself! Take Care now...

I just popped in to say hi !E.Z. Thanks! It is really pretty easy to write a little notecard saying thanks! By the way Sami might join us! Especially since I have a BIG suitcase,and could probably fit ya all in, we'd just have to buy clothes when we got there! No big deal! T
Sunny- Thanks for keeping pastor in your prayers! I greatly appreciate it.Like E.Z. said your the computer wiz, not I. I am sure it was nice not to have to start over, that can be so fustrating.
Angel- glad to hear the family is going to get to be together soon, will continue to pray for safety. You need to take care of ypu as well, don't forget.
Christian- glad to hear your dad's girlfriend is doing o.k.Pray for continued health and healing
I am doing great quick meeting this am, so not to bad. P.s. E.Z. The sunshine arrived, just need to bottle the heat to send with it. O.K.