Wow Chris--you have had a run--but a wonderful Thanksgiving with the surgery success I'm sure. Glad they figured it all out--makes you wonder though how long they would have let it go if you hadn't insisted on the additional tests--poor Brookes------
Lynne--yes 98 is a bit warm for exercise. Hope your summer levels off soon--we didn't get much hot weather this summer--just lots of rain. Today it's snowing--and it's beautiful. I'm planning on putting up my outside lights etc. Not sure how cold it is--but it can't be worse than my experience 2 years ago. I know I told you guys about that. When I went to put out my light-up deer and trees the ground was so frozen I couldn't get the stakes in the ground--i ended up using hubby's blowtorch to soften the earth and then hammered them in. In the spring i had all these brown burn marks in the yard--quite the sight! Hope I don't run into that scene today--don't think so--it's been pretty warm during the day. Thin layer of ice on the pond out back.
Thanksgiving was very pleasant. Had only my own children and 1 grandchild here. Played cards and dice after. Quiet group overall--no little children with too much energy! Hubby left for South Dakota pheasant hunting today. He'll be gone until Monday so I can get a jump on my holiday stuff. Usually try to get most of my cards written out etc. In the past I have gotten up very early on Friday morning to hit all the big sales--but not this year--just didn't have the energy. I'm sure it's because of my low hemoglobin counts. Don't want to think about getting on the scale tomorrow--but I will--haven't weighed in 2 weeks.
Kermie--loved "the fork" it is so true-----thanks for sharing.
Gonna run--the snow is calling. Hope you have fun at the wedding Lynne-
Jo

Oh my gosh Chris, how awful for you!!!!!! Poor little bubs. I'm glad he's better, but far out, having to go through surgery at his age!!! Big hugs and kisses to all of you for a speedy recovery and chance to return to a "normal" household again - as normal as you can with a baby anyway. Becky was very sick after she was born, and had to have antibiotics administered by a drip which kept falling out. It was awful, so I know how worrying it is when you are just trying to deal with being a new parent.

Jo, sounds like you had a nice thanksgiving. We don't get snow here, so it's hard to imagine the type of cold - and a frozen pond - sounds so romantic to me! I'm sure it's a whole other story when you're living in it! The only time I got to play in the snow was when I was 21 and went skiing in New South Wales. I even made a snowman! We went to the snow in New Zealand when I was a kid but don't really remember it. I could do with some right now I can tell you!

It was so hot last night I ended up camped on Josh's bedroom floor, cos we've only got 2 fans at the moment - one for each of the kids - so I was lying in my bed sweating until about 3am before I got fed up and moved.

Anyway, I'm off to do a bit of shopping before it gets too much hotter. I can't believe we've gotta go to a wedding this afternoon, up in the hills where it's bound to be hotter. I'm taking up Becky's little inflatable pool so the kids can cool down for a while. I'm sure they'll be the envy of all the adults there!

Catcha tomorrow!
Lynne

Lynne, Would think it should be cooler in the hills--but it's not huh??? I love the colder weather. And the snow is beautiful. Went out early and shoveled a little--don't really have to do it though--we have a service that takes care of the shoveling--but I've always enjoyed it. Very icy under the snow--which I don't enjoy Finally got moving enough to get out shopping. Got Birthday presents for 2 of my grandchildren--but didn't get any Christmas shopping done--just not in the mood yet--stores were crazy--toy departments anyhow. Maybe after church tomorrow. Isn't there anyone around who can help you get your new air conditioner in the window?? Nothing worse than trying to sleep in the heat. Do you also have high humidity????
Well the scale wasn't very kind to me this morning--back to the weight I was at 3 weeks ago Guess I had better REALLY kick it up a notch if I'm going to make 10 by Christmas----9 to go-----how is everyone else doing???
Gonna run--want to get a little start on Chirstmas cards--gonna curl up with a cup of fat-free hot cocoa and a good book after I make a small dent in them. Take care all--and try to stay cool Lynne
JO

Bump!!!

Hi guys!

Sorry I've been out of action - Becky had gastro, which we discovered when she threw up in the car on Sunday on the way to the swimming centre!!! She's been sick since then, and is only just tonight starting to show signs of improving. Poor little munchkin! You can tell when they're really sick when all they do is lie around.

Food has been pretty bad, cos it's been hot and I've been stuck in the lounge most of the time keeping an eye on Bec, so I'm sure the scales would scream at me if I went near them! Managed to get on the bike this arvo for about 10 minutes, but didn't get near it all weekend. I got my period today, which I wasn't expecting, cos I didn't suffer PMS as much as I did last month, which is a good thing, but it certainly explains why I've had a chronic craving for chocolate over the last few days!

Anyway, I'm going to go and relax with a book - my favourite pastime I must admit - Jo, sounds like you've got the right idea!

And yes, it does get pretty muggy sometimes - did today cos there was lots of cloud and then it rained. Enough to wet the ground, but I'm sure it's not a great help to the farmers! Here, a lot of the time, the further out you get, the hotter it gets. Especially where we are, situated between the hills and sea.

I'm going to tackle my chrissy cards next week, but I've gotta think about some pressies cos I want to get some off to New Zealand, and they can take ages to get there.

I've gotta go say goodnight to Josh, so I'll catch you all tomorrow.

Take care
Lynne

Hey Lynne--sorry to hear about Becky--sick kids are no fun. Did a little shopping on my way home from work--really having to force myself--I know my hemo counts are still down'. I'm exhausted at the end of the day. Did find the one toy I've searched half the town for---YEA!!!! Guess I can manage one store a night and in no time I'll be done. Also having terrific acid reflux lately--think it's from the iron pills but I don't dare stop taking them yet. I see the doctor again on the 17th I will be glad when I can go off them again--not very pleasant side effects when you take them at such high doses,
How is everyone doing on their Christmas challenge??? I'm ok so far. Finally got rid of the leftovers from Thanksgiving--and have decided to not do any baking this year. Neither hubby or I need the sweets--too tempting.
Talk tomorrow. It's a walking day so I have to get up early.
Jo

I'll be hopefully posting again tonight, but I read your post Jo, and wondered if you guys have "Rennies" over there - they are minty flavoured tablets that you chew, and they are FANTASTIC for heartburn - I used them both pregnancies, and even sometimes use them if I eat too much or something......

Anyway, catcha tonight...

Lynne

Lynne--no I've never heard of Rennies. I have been taking Tums and they help sometimes. I didn't take my iron pills last night or today--and no heartburn. So I do know thats whats causing it. I am going to try to get a lower dose at the pharmacy tomorrow. I'm taking 324 Mg twice a day--which is a LOT!!! Maybe I can take a lower dose 3 or 4 times a day and not have the side effects. If the ones I'm taking weren't so small I'd try cutting them in half. How is Bec--any better??
Hope to get a longer post off to you tomorrow. I did do a little more Christmas shopping tonight on my way home from work. Got hubbys big gift bought. I think this will be the way to shop--one store a night and one or two gifts at a time. that would get me done in a week or two.
Where is everyone--Kermie, Chris and Jean??????? How is your 10 pound challenge shaping up???
Jo

Hi everyone!!!!

I dont have much time (seems that is always the case now-a-days), but wanted to pop in and say hello!!

Lynne---How's Becky? I was sorry to hear that she had been sick! Hope she is doing much much better now!!!
It always amazes me when I read about your weather....hot there just when it is starting to get cold here. It is still pretty nice here during the days, but in the morning I usually fire up the gas logs to take the chill out of the house.

Jo----Sorry to hear about the heartburn. I had the worst heartburn when I was pregnant with Brooks. I kept a big container of tums in the house at all times.

We are all doing well on this end. Except for the fact that we all have colds. I have to put saline in Brooks' nose and suck him out everyday and he HATES it. Screams and Screams. I hope the neighbors dont hear or they will call child services on me.
Since his surgery he is growing like a weed. His little face has really filled out and I can tell he is getting much heavier when I hold him in my arms.
It is also a much more peaceful house around here now that he is well. I must admit that during those 3 weeks that he was so sick and projectiling ALL THE TIME, I thought about taking him back to Wal-Mart and asking for my money back, but I couldnt find my receipt
I am happy to report that I am finding out now how wonderful it is to be a mom! He is a little Angel!!!!!

Well the challenage has not been going well for me....I am a stress eater as I have said so during the entire sickness, despite my best intentions, I did not show any control over what I ate. I am happy to report though that I went to the gym yesterday on my lunch hour and got in a great workout. I also got a list of their class schedule and marked the days I want to go and what I plan to do when I get there. I have 4 days a week on the plan. Two of which my mom is going to come over and watch Brooks for me so that I can have a longer workout. I also bit the bullet and rejoined WW last night. So far today I am on target. My mom called me this morning and asked me out for chinese lunch today (my absolute favorite) and I turned her down flat! Then one of my girlfriends called and asked me out for Japanese. I told her to pick up her plate and bring it over here and I would pop one of my WW meals in the microwave. That way we could visit and I could stay on my plan. I must admit I am feeling stronger. SOOOO, I dont know if I will have 10 lbs gone by Christmas or not, but I WILL be well on my way!!!! I CAN DO THIS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well got to go jump in the shower. While my darling son is being such a quite litte sweetheart!!!

Talk to you all later.

Hi all

This will have to be a quick one, as I'm just about to head off to bed.

Chris, glad to hear from you and to know that you are all doing better. Don't feel bad about your weight loss progress - you've got plenty of time and it's not your number one priority! Just look after yourself and your family, and the rest will fall into place. I mean, look at me. Becky's almost 2 and I'm only just starting to get back into the swing of it!

We went swimming today. Winding up for the school holidays, organising child care, etc etc. I've got a week off between Christmas and New Year, cos my boss will be on holidays so there's not much point me being there.

There's a big kafuffel over christmas trading this year, with Christmas Day falling on a Saturday. The shops are being forced to close for about 6 out of the 10 days over Christmas, so they're looking for permission from the government to open for 3 straight days, 24 hours running, for the days leading up to christmas - Jo, can you imagine finishing your christmas shopping at 3am????

I've done most of mine now.... we put the christmas tree up on the weekend, and even hung fairy lights outside around the guttering of the house. I've also strung some lights around the verandah poles and hung up tinsel - it's looking so nice! Very festive and exciting! We were listening to our christmas music and doing the tree, and I got all excited as the fact that christmas is close started to sink in. I'm really missing Marc though, and am trying not to think of him too much in case I start crying when I'm trying to be happy for the kids. I'm actually taking the kids up to see Marc's tree on Christmas Eve, which will be nice...sad, but nice. I know people say, well you've got your family, blah blah, but it doesn't make up for the fact that I don't have my husband to share packing the kids' stockings, waking up with him on christmas morning, having him help the kids buy me a present, share that first kiss of the new year.... I hate being alone again.

And of course, with all this going on, it's certainly not helping the weight loss factor. I alternate between motivation and determination, with a "who cares" attitude. Sometimes I think, well I'm on my own, no one to impress, I'm bored, sad and what the heck, I'll order a pizza and enjoy a few wines....

I'm okay, please don't suggest I go and see a counsellor cos I'm a bit down, I'm just *****ing.....

Apart from that.... (where did THAT all come from???!!!).... I've had a nice day and now I'm going to bed - WITHOUT the pizza - so that I can get up early and do my bike....

Take it easy guys, see ya tomorrow.

Lynne

Lynne & Chris--so glad to hear from both of you. Chris--its wonderful to hear Brooks is doing so well. It's amazing how fast little ones recovery from surgery. Congratulations on going back to WW. I'm sure you'll be close to your 10 by Christmas--stress eating is the hardest to control--that's my problem too. I did have 1 1/2 loss this week--still a ways to go for my 10--but I am closer!!
Lynne--good for you getting the decorations up--I'm sure in the long run they'll help with your moods. and the childrens excitment has to rub off. It will be a lonely time for you--but keep your children first--they need to be your priority and goal for a healthy lifestyle. They need you more than ever---and they need you healthy and strong! Please don't take this as a lecture--but exercise is the best way to relieve the blues. Granted--you have every right to feel low sometimes--just strive for more happy times than sad--live thru your childrens eyes---
I'm feeling a little better each day. I did stop the iron pills for a day--and the heartburn disapeared-so that was a relief to me. I can cope with it a little better, knowing that it isn't another medical problem causing it. I have a tendancy to blame myself and my fat body when I have integestion problems--you know--IF ONLY I WASN'T OVERWEIGHT----YADA YADA!!!
Gonna run--lots of little things left to do before the day is done--talk tomorrow. Hang in their ladies--we can all make out 10 pound goal with some HARD work and positive attitude!!
Jo

This was a very wierd day. Hot, humid, frustrating with computer problems, a nice dinner at my sister's, and still didn't exercise. I'm so tired that I just couldn't get up this morning - I've promised myself an early night!!!

Jo, thanks for your words - I don't take them the wrong way, just have my bad days sometimes! Congrats on your loss - that's 2 weeks in a row now isn't it? Woo hoo!!!

I've been reading an amazing book by a women who helps people lose weight and change their food habits - she was on a show called "you are what you eat" based in England, and she's so cool. Very blunt but lots of really interesting facts about food and how it affects you. Anyway the book is about all of that, and it's a real eye opener. I've decided to go organic with my food as much as possible, and start adding a lot of what she's suggested, with more nuts and seeds, and raw fruit and veggies. It's more of a lifestyle change than a diet, but the benefits are obvious!

I am finding that although I haven't lost weight, my ideas and attitude to what I eat is changing, and I reckon in the long run that will help me a lot.

I've got gym tomorrow - will get that exercise going, heh Jo?

Well, off to get my beauty sleep.

Catch you when the sun comes up!
Lynne

Hey Lynne--you sound a little more up today--even if you didn't get in your exercise. I walked at the mall this morning. Still sticking to the 3 days a week.. WOuld like to make it 5--but I have a hard time getting up that early 5 days in a row. Also--I seem to have more feet and leg problems when I walk on that concrete 5 days in a row. No sense in injuring myself and not being able to walk at all---walking outside isn't as hard on my legs--guess asphalt is more forgiving than cement. Can't wait for SPRING!!! Yep--I did lose 2 weeks in a row. The sad news is that I'm at the weight I was on Nov. 3rd. However--I'm down about 5-7lbs. since mid Oct. I've got 2 1/2 pounds down since we started our 10 lb by Christmas challenge. Guess I had better get a move on it---went out to eat tonight with hubby. Only ate 1/2--and it was a low cal, low fat dinner. Will eat the rest for lunch tomorrow--so that is a positive.:
Chris, Kermie and Jean--where are you guys?????
Talk tomorrow. Get your butt in gear Lynne and ride that new bike or go to the gym--there's no better day than today!!!
Jo

Hi guys

I'm REALLY tired tonight - have been all day - so I'm off to bed early, but can't go to bed without a quick hello to my weight loss buddies!!!

I went to the gym to do my session this morning. It's just as well I'm slightly scared of my trainer, otherwise I might have cancelled! I'm glad I didn't though, cos I always feel pumped when I get out. I did the treadmill and then we did weights, which I always enjoy. Makes you feel good when you can lift that bit heavier, or go that bit longer. She mainly focuses on strengthening my back, legs, stomach and arms, rather than trying to turn me into a heavy weight champion! Although I am sporting some rather impressive arm muscles!!! Pity there's a hanging array of FAT underneath - still not prepared to wear tanktops yet!!!!

Jo, can you remind me - when you say that you go walking in the mall, what's the deal with that? How big is it, and how fast can you walk, and for how long? Also, am I right in guessing you are doing that cos it's snowing outside??? I think you are doing MARVELLOUS job walking as committedly as you do, and I'm sure the weight loss will continue. I'm impressed if you're now weighing less than you did a couple of months ago - that's gotta feel good! Also WELL DONE on being so disciplined about your food - saving half of it when it was low fat stuff! WoW! I'll have to think of you next time I get tempted to pig out!!!!!

Apart from the fact that I'm STUFFED!, I also want to be able to get up early and do my bike - I really do enjoy it, I've just gotta make sure I don't stay up late.

I had to do some cooking for mum today - shortbread and rum balls. I avoided the rum balls, but tasted some of the shortbread! At least it's not the brownie mixture that Marc used to make - that was a KILLER!

Where's Kermie? Jo, are you in regular contact with her? Hope all's well. Now it's someone else's turn to go AWOL! ha ha

Okay guys, see ya later. Might not get in tomorrow. It's Josh's school's end of year picnic, which they do in the evening, where everyone brings a picnic dinner and watches the kids do singing and dancing. Finishes about 8.30pm. Hopefully it will still be on cos they're forecasting rain and storms!

Anyway, if not tomorrow, speak to you later.

Take care all and one

Lynne

Hey Lynne--good for you working out at the gym today---your on your way. Mall walking is in a big indoor mall near where I work. Yes we walk inside because of the cold, ice and snow. The cold I don't mind--but at that time of morning it's sometimes hard to tell if there's ice on the walkways. We walk the entire interior of the mall twice which equals 2 miles. It is before the stores open so you can go at a pretty quick clip. There are probably 50 other people walking at the same time--but in that size area we don't get in each others way. Many are elderly so they walk slower. Some are speed walkers--who leave Chris and I in their dust!!! Our first mile is usually in 12-15 minutes. 2nd mile takes 15 to 20 minutes. We slow down a little on that one to allow a slight cool down. You don't want to go out to your car for the rest of the drive to work all sweaty--when it's so cool out--
Had a good day. Don't know if I'll see a loss this week--but I am doing all the right things--so I hope so. Have fun at Josh's picnic--that sounds wonderful to me right now--sure would like to be facing summer than winter--hard to imagine that his school year is almost over--here the kids are less than 1/2 way thru their school year.
Talk tomorrow. Keep up the workouts--the results are there--even if you can't see them--your heart is loving you!!!
Jo