Hi everyone,

I'm exhausted today, probably because my weekend was so busy. Friday, I helped Bob's sister organize and arrange things in Bob's house so that it's more conducive to getting around in a wheelchair (we're hopeful that he will be able to come home after a month or two). He really wants to be at home when he passes. After that I went to support group and got home after 9 pm. Saturday started with being at the gym by 7 am for cardio and strength training, followed by going to my step-mom's, lunch with my nephew and then the dog park. Yesterday, I went to the dog park in the early morning as part of our once a month weeding and cleanup detail (the City's parks department doesn't have enough staff to maintain all the parks and dog parks, so several of us "regulars" have adopted the dog park and take care of weeding, sweeping, and washing down the tables and benches. Then I went to the Packer bar to watch the Packer game...what a stressful game! I'm so glad the Packers won. I'm just hoping they can defeat the Seahawks next week....which will be a very tough game. After the game was over, I went to my step-mom's to pick up some banana bread she made for Bob, and then I went to visit Bob. After I got back to San Jose, I picked up Santa at day care and we went to the dog park.

My energy level is increasing each week, but I'm still getting fatigued faster than before surgery. I don't know if my body is still adjusting to the major internal plumbing modifications or the lower calories. Just frustrating when I run out of energy before I finish my to do list.

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Annie - Congrats to your Colts for advancing in the playoffs! Bummer that you had to work on Friday. I hope you're feeling better.

Shad - So tragic to hear about the fires in Adelaide. Sad for the people who lost their homes, and also for the wildlife. You brought a smile to my face picturing little Miss S running up to give you a big hug.

Claygirl - Thanks for telling us a bit about you! I'm 52 and single. I was born Pennsylvania and lived in New England until I was 10, then I moved with my dad and stepmom to California. I consider myself a California girl since I've lived here most of my life. I was married for 17 years, and he and I lived in Wisconsin for 12 years. When my ex and I split up, I moved back "home" to California. I have reconnected with a wonderful man I dated before I met my ex, and he and I are living together in San Jose, CA. I have an adorable 10 year young white Miniature Schnauzer named Santa. I had RNY (gastric bypass) surgery nearly 8 weeks ago and am so glad I did. I no longer have diabetes and I can walk almost two miles. Prior to surgery, my back pain was so bad I couldn't walk around the block without my back locking up. I'm adjusting to the lifestyle restrictions (no sugar, caffeine, carbonated beverages, etc.). I definitely miss all my favorite foods (mostly sweets), and I'm working on ways to make sugar-free and low carb versions. But I feel so great that the longing for the old comfort foods doesn't last long.

Dee - I loved Monty Python and Spamalot, but I couldn't get into Galavant. I recognized John Stamos, but I guess I turned it off before seeing Weird Al and Ricky Gervais. I'll try and watch it again. I go to several different support groups. Almost all of them have a bariatric professional as the leader. The support groups are wonderful - so many nice people. The people who are post op are always willing to answer questions from the pre-ops or those who have had surgery recently.

Happy - I hope that the 1/2 pig fit in the freezer. Good job on the sorting! I started that a week ago...and still haven't finished. Glad that the washing machine is working well.

to Laura, Ceejay and Susie!

Much love and many hugs to all,

Here's a recipe I got from a support group meeting. These look delicious, yummy and EASY!

I just realized I missed an entire page of posts. I'll read them later or tomorrow morning.

The cable company has been to the house stating that he thinks he has fixed the problem. He said it looked like some one cut a line. Oops not me. But my co-worker made the comment this morning that my neighbors may have been using my cable by splicing a wire. Would not put it past them at all. We shall see when I get home if it is working again. If it is I'm to call their office to let them know.
I sure do want a brownie.
I'm thinking about canceling my trip to Houston especially after I talked to my nephew, space is going to be very limited. They want friends and immediate family members. The space where his fiance' is wanting to get married holds approximately 60-65 people. I now don't feel comfortable in going especially since he told me that my other sister wasn't invited, not his mother.
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Annie
You poor thing. Sending you a And yes I do remember you mentioning that it sounded like I might have an ulcer.

Michelle
Sounds like you may need to slow down some. Has it been 8 weeks since your surgery! Wow how time flies.

Laura
I have to keep my reports locked out from a certain co-worker.

Happy
Did you have room in the freezer for all the pig?

Hello's to Dee, Terra, and Claygirl.

Hurrah, this is finally working at work! It's been so slow and hanging that I gave up even thinking about writing anything.

Even now I can type without seeing anything for about 6 words so I won't be here for long.

Had a lovely weekend with the family and I have some photos of little mis S wearing the dress 'Santa' gave here for Christmas and the locket I bought her for her birthday. I will post them later tonight when i do personals.

I'm sitting here eating my salad of mixed lettuce leaves, avocado and tomato with a lite mustard and honey dressing, woodsmoked salmon and a potato with some natural yoghurt. I'm told it looks horribly healthy and I should be ashamed of myself since project people 'eat junk'. I can see another 11 hour day coming up - to go with yesterdays 10 hour day.
I'll be just like Susie soon.

Catch you all later tonight. Can't stick around here any more.

Quick post for me. I need to head to bed--but I want to stay up and watch the Ohio State game. I sure hope they win. This girl is O-H-I-O all the way. Always have been and always will be.

My leg feels pretty good today--of course it's because I'm seeing the primary care doctor and the Ortho guy and the Chiropractor on Wednesday and it knows it! hahah!

Happy: When do your yoga classes start up again? I hope soon so you can start feeling better? Did everything fit in the freezer?

Ceejay: I want a brownie too..with a glass of milk..but NO, NO, NO to both of us on that.
I hope your neighbors aren't stealing your cable!

Shad: Don't do it..don't work 11 hour days...it's a killer and you spend all weekend just trying to rest up and then you get behind on things at home and the things in your personal life. It's a bad habit to get into.


Terra: Did you get your chair exercises and your dvd work out in?

Laura: Why are you procrastinating on setting up that fitbit? I need to charge mine...it died. The issue is that I can't find my dongle (my husband smiles every time I say that! he is so male! ) but my brother has an extra one he said I could have so I will stop by tomorrow and get it from him. I really need to get recommitted in so many areas of exercises. Doing it and tracking it..as well as my food. I WILL start this tomorrow and I WILL do it every day. I have a hard time and fall off the wagon when I don't do it perfectly and I need and want to get past that. It is the only way I'm going to make good, new habits.

Annie: Praise the Lord for the "no cancer!" report. Now..to get that cramping settled down. I will say a prayer for you.

Michelle: You had a busy weekend for sure.

Claygirl: How are you feeling? It is hard to wait to find that sort of thing out but this you have no control over so do what you can to distract yourself. I have my fingers crossed for you!

Hi Dee!

Ok..off to bed for me. See you all tomorrow.

Night-time Posting againnn Ron snores loud & he laughs if I snore because he says I sound like a little baby.

Annie I'm excited for U about your biopsy/surgery results God answered our prayers 'perfectly' NO cancer . R u on pain meds RX or natural since going back to work... I remember your boss was thoughtful when U were sick last fall getting things to keep U working, so I'm sure he won't overload U right away since returning back, right.... The stupid bad weather doesn't help, when U have to white-knuckle drive on slick streets.

Susie ~ Make room for me in your 'Heated bed' I'm bringing my flannel jammies & my pillow. Whoa about Revenge, this is the last season & it sure is dramatic the last few weeks. I'm afraid Emily & Jack/Nolan/dad will die & the ending will b terribly sad instead of a pleasant ending. Victoria reminds me of Dh's x-wife back-stabbing attitude.

ClayGirl ~ Okay, come-on & spill-it, what r some of your fav baby names, I know you've got some I'm like U about the electric & keeping it @ 65* & I wear a hoodie or sweater. We live in the country & heat w propane & I do the accounting/budget for our home; dh just keeps turning the heat up to 68*/70* then he yeLLs about the big-bill

Michelle ~ I'm sorry about your fatigue, what did your labs show, r U low on anything? Like Annie says about B12, protein, etc. & there's nothing wrong w taking energy naps TY for the recipe Between your surgery & Bob & your job & boyfriend & other commitments anybody would feeling as U r & exhausted. Baby...steps...

Shad ~ When r U coming to the U.S. & b our chef U know how to make us hungry. Don't U dare overwork yourself, because your home & garden misses U. What does S stand for w your granddaughter umm Shannon/Sheila/Sherri/Samantha/Sara?

Ceej ~ I'm happy that they finally got your TV cable prob fixed, it's hard to b without seeing the nightly news, etc. Make a 'healthy brownie' recipe & use fruit in it, Yummm. R u disappointed about possibly canceling your Texas trip, were U looking forwards to going on a vaca to some warmer temps? Sounds like some drama problems w the relatives r happening too, so if U cancel maybe it will avoid some stress that your body doesn't need right now... Decisions

Happy ~ I wish we were neighbors, then we could go to your gym & take Yoga together some day I will take a class, I gotta make a commitment to Learn yoga, I know it's healthy. I'm thinking about your piggy in My freezer & lots & lots of Bacon. Bacon makes everything better How do U keep your house toasty in your low temps, do U have a wood burner outdoors, a corn furnace?

Dh just told me again to go to sleep, he's talkin not snoring, so I'm gonna give it another try. I'm sleepy, Therefore I am Not responsible for any grammar bloopers in my posts

Have a wonderful-warm winter day today, Sweet Dreams all

Hi all ... back again.

Yoga class was really good. Tough - but good. We had to do some poses/exercises - it's movements actually more than just poses for FIVE CONTINUOUS MINUTES. Good golly Miss Molly - my ham hocks are way to weighty to swing up and down for 5 minutes straight. It was funny as we'd work on the movements we'd get really warm and then when we stopped for a minute I'd get chilly in the room again. But it was a wonderful class - I look forward to more.

Picked up the pig - all 100 pounds of it. 43 meals in all. That's a lot of pig. Nope, I didn't get it in the freezer - it's sitting in the garage right at the moment. Good thing it's minus 0 out there and will be cold for a few more days. I wanted to sort things and get my freezer in a more organized fashion so I know where things are. The normal temp in the freezer is minus 5 degrees so you definitely don't want to be handling packages in there for any longer than you have to. In fact when I go in there I use gloves.

Dee - tell you husband to give it time with you snoring - you will eventually rock the walls RUN don't walk and go sign up for a yoga class. It takes a bit of time before you notice a difference but when you do, you will be a convert. I have 11 packages of bacon that I will share some (but not all with you). Oh wait - 10 packages - we had Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato sandwiches for a quick supper tonight. Yummy. To your question we heat with propane and have electric heaters in the basement. We have a propane fireplace/heater in the big open living area. It does use a lot of gas so we use it sparingly only when it's really cold. I have a lot of windows in the open kitchen/living room/dining room area and it gets mighty cold from there - especially at night. The back part of the house (bedroom) stays much warmer than the front of the house. But when the sun comes out - we have a southern exposure - the sun heats the main part of the house up nicely. We keep the thermostat at 72 during the day and 67 at night - it gets down to 62 or colder at night. We thought about getting a wood stove and nixed the idea. It's a 6 step walk up from the ground to the entry way. And we decided as we get older we are not going to want to split, stack and haul wood for the stove when we are in our 70's. We looked at a pellet stove and the guy who repaired our fireplace said he would not switch out the unit - it was the top of the line when it was installed 10 years ago. Pellet stoves also create ash that needs to be cleaned out and you have to haul 40 pound bags of pellets - not as bad as wood but still heavy. At this point in our lives we are starting to consider what the consequences are for when we really get old (soon) DH has said we should have got a single level house but we were limited to what we could afford, location and what was available at the time. Anyway, stairs are good exercise I hope you got to sleep and got a good night's rest!

Talking about brownies - I just saw a recipe for brownies made with beets. :P I'll bet they are probably a healthier version. Problem is you make a pan and then have to send 2/3 of the pan off with friends so you don't eat them all. Sorry but diet cocoa and diet pudding don't satisfy like even a 1 x 1 chunk of brownie. So walk to the bakery, buy one slice, walk back home and sit and enjoy it. No frosting. I think WW might make a frozen brownie dessert too.

Susie - thank you, thank you, thank you I got the bag today. It will be perfect for packing my yoga only things. It has been a hassle shifting things back and forth. This will help greatly. Please, please PLEASE lose the perfection thing and come back up on the wagon. I'm holding my hand out to help you up. 20 minutes of something is better than 20 minutes of nothing. Just do something. We lose momentum and strength so fast when we stop for a bit. Give that caboose and push and get that train running again

Shad - I am glad to hear the partner has decided to utilize Miss S's gifts. Can't wait to see pictures. Sorry you are looking at those long days again. It didn't take long. Don't push yourself to exhaustion. I think your dinner sounded divine. I'd eat that in a heart beat. Tell the coworkers you are not a junk food junkie and can put together a pretty healthy plate faster than Mc D's can fry up a burger.

Ceejay - ouch, sure hope your neighbors were not nicking your cable. I'm sorry to hear about the Houston trip. I hope you won't lose any money over cancellations. Sounds like they are pushing to have a small guest list. I suppose it's good they told you ahead of time. Bummer though. I did get a package of pork hocks with my order - I feel I should make something southern Any ideas?

Michelle - thank you for the recipe - it looks very tasty! I am becoming a big fan of pounding out meat from watching cooking shows. It's a great way to work out your aggression too. Do acidic foods like tomato sauce bother you? Bless you for helping to keep up the dog park - that's so important for everyone - you're a good person. As for the fatigue - you had MAJOR roto rooting. I'm sure if you could see your insides you'd understand how long it takes to heal. Do a little more each day and understand it takes time. That is wonderful that you can walk 2 miles now. It wasn't very long ago that you needed some help to get around, even for short distances. That is excellent progress!

Claygirl - I can understand how you'd want to find out what's causing the nausea. I think if you had a tummy bug you'd know by now as the ones going around seem to hit pretty hard. I hope you get good news soon. Your CSA box look amazing. I hope you were able to make some tasty things and not get sick at the idea of it. You have such a pretty walkway too with your flower garden. Lovely trim which if you do wind up selling your house will greatly help the curb appeal. Do you get a lot of butterflies on your coneflowers?

Laura - I am still scanning for recipes. I got 6 packages of bratwurst which is 5 packages more than I want to eat. I guess when they add the spice mix to things like sausages and breakfast sausages, you have to take the quantity that makes up a batch. I did find an interesting beer cheese soup with bratwurst in it. So I can split the package 1/2 sandwiches, 1/2 soup. Also looking for ham recipes - I have 8 ham steaks and 2 small 2 and a half pound smoked hams. Good portion sizes for cooking for 2 people. To your question I did not want to watch the videos on TV because that involves 2 pieces of equipment, 3 remote controllers and more frustration on my part than I am willing to deal with. I want to pop it in and play it. Now it takes a guy rocket scientist to figure out what to do for the tv, blue ray, surround sound :eyerolls: even if I had to spend 3 hours fixing my computer it's still faster this way and I have some room here at the desk to do the yoga. That's rather sad that you have to set up a view only scenario to protect the system from the workers. As the work force ages and is less familiar with the technology, that has got to be more common place. We have some volunteers at the thrift shop we sort of "discourage" to volunteer because they simply cannot work the cash register and we could not run a store this big using a petty cash box which sometimes even they would have problems with. I will be interested as to what you think of the Fitbit.

Annie - I am glad you got a clean bill of health and hope the cramping has subsided. Ugh. I saw the score of the game last night as I turned the tv on and said to DH - oh Annie will be very happy. I hope she is not jumping up and down if she is still sore! Any more word on your brother? He is in my thoughts every day. We sang a beautiful song for healing and strength at the end of yoga today - "The Sunshine Song". First verse is for us, second verse is to send it to someone who needed it so I dedicated it to you - did you get gently "tapped" about 1:45 today? Third verse we send to the universe. You asked about feet and hips - I swear the yoga is helping. I am going to be kind of sore tomorrow though. And yes, working at the Thrift Shop is dangerous. Especially when they have nice things like ours does. I am trying very hard to curtail my purchases to something I can practically use right now instead of "some day". It is fun to occasionally shop them so try one out if you can one day - more fun if you take Sissy or a friend to ooh, ahh and giggle over the stuff.

Terra - you changed your avatar - nice picture!

Finally a little about me Claygirl. I turned 60 last year. Ouch. Now I feel old. I was in I.T. my entire career and DH worked for IBM. He got downsized in 2009 and my in 2011 so we retired and moved up here to the country in northern Wisconsin. I was born and raised in Chicago and we moved to Memphis and lived there for 8 years for a job transfer for me. DH and I both got tired of the city hustle and bustle and since we were forced into early retirement we had to find something that worked for us financially. We are very happy up here even if it is cold 6 months out of the year. We have a steady stream of animals through our yard - deer, bucks, wild turkeys, foxes, and black bears as well as an abundance of birds, humming birds, an occasional eagle, grouse and duck. DH is an avid photographer and there is plenty to enjoy up here. I don't know what to do with myself and I am a talker so I volunteer at the local Thrift Shop which supports our Humane Society shelter. I also do special projects like maintain the Facebook page and help out at fundraisers and bake dog treats we sell at the shop. I have a million things I want to do someday when I have time. I need to get organized.

Well it's 1:30 and the alarm is going to ring in 6 hours. I have a shift at the store tomorrow. I am sure when I go downstairs I will find 2 cats comfortably draped over my side of the bed. They have accepted DH as their king and they both follow him around and must be near him always. The fact that I don't get a bed does not phase them. So I guess I will fetch my pjs and come back up here and sleep in the guest room. Good night all.

Dee - have I told you I absolutely LOVE your avatar. I really do!!

Ceejay ~ Hi, How are you doing today? I hope you are doing good.

Susie ~ Nope I didnt get anything done yesterday but I will get all of my exercises in today.

Happy ~ Thanks, I found it on a website I forgot I added it too so I thought I would add it as my picture on here.

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Woke up at 4:30 a.m. after going to bed at 7:00 p.m. last night. Today my plans are to do my laundry and between my laundry I'll do my 40 min. Morning Chair Exercises and then at 1:30 I'm gonna do my 30 min. afternoon walking dvd and then at 7:00 p.m. tonight I'll do my 40 min. Evening chair exercises as well and those are all my plans for today. I hope everyone has a great Tuesday.

Good Tuesday Morning...

A much better day for me. So far, no cramping. Keep your fingers crossed. C is not doing so well, he just couldn't stand it and ate something he shouldn't of, now he is having gut, colon, problems. I told him to please wait his turn to feel badly as he always takes my thunder. lol. I am debating on taking an ibuprofen for a just in case the cramping is even thinking about starting up.

Last night was pretty boring. Fixed dinner, grilled chicken, mixed veggies and a lil teeny pan of dressing. (Chicken dressing). Pretty bland for C and I really. Miss Sassy (my daschund, for Claygirl), decided she had to get up to go potting in the middle of the night, C was up groaning, then Sass wanted to play "toy" at 3 am, needless to say they both kept me up at all hours, was ready to shoot them both. I finally rolled at of bed at 5 am, 30 mins earlier than I needed but was already awake from all the noise going on in the room.

Took Sass to Sissy's for doggy daycare as I decided after last night she needed to be worn out for tonight. None of the shananigans from last night. Siss's 35 lb 5 mo. "puppy" will certainly keep her moving. Anyway I go a different way to work when I go to Siss's house first thing. Little beknownst to me the construction was finished at 465 & I65N, the 65N ramp used to come first then the 65S ramp. Of course paying no attention to the signs as I travel that way a lot, got on the NEW first ramp which went south instead of north. Had to go 5 miles before I could exit and get back on going North to downtown. Was 15 minutes late. Thank God my boss does not care about that as long as the work gets done. He is a peach and so far thinks I am the next best thing since peanutbutter. Give him time, haha.

HAPPY...I get what you mean about the cats taking over your side of the bed, Sassy is real good about that too, thank God she is only 8lbs and takes very little space and I just slide her along to the middle of the bed. Usually she sleeps up against Cs butt and legs. Funny about your comment about the song at 1:45, yesterday. I did have a few minutes of downtime around then because I thought I needed to call Sissy. She has been having issues in her relationship with Chris. He tends to let the ex and Ainsley run the show when it comes to Ainsley. Sam was not brought up that way and gets P.O'd and her panties in bunch about things, with good reason I might add. So yes I felt your poke. Thank you for that. Wow that is a lot of meat, come May or June you should have a HUGE BBQ and invite all of us Worldlies to the home ground commune. DH would love it. lol. My nephew in KY has a pellet stove in his finished basement and swears by it. I must say it does keep the house QUITE warm. Toasty. Sissy and I have been talking about doing yoga, but you know me, I talk a lot about exercise and collect dvds on exercise. hahahah

TERRA...the new picture of you looks thinner than the last one. Good job. Keep up the good work.

DEE...I have prescribed pain pills, but have not taken them since Saturday. I am just taking the prescribed 600 mg Ibuprofen. The other makes me lazy and want to sleep. Can't do that at work. Let's seeing on the subject of snoring...when I weighed 306 I snored like a freight train. When I lost all the weight I did not snore at all. Now that I have gained a little too much back, I snore like a baby. SO as soon as I lose this 25 more lbs, I am sure not to snore...I hope.

SUSIE...yes OH State won! Heard that first thing on the radio this morning. Congrats! I was also routing for OS as it is closest to Indiana as I could get. I am right with you on keeping the heat turned down. We keep ours at 67 at night and 69 during the day. I would keep it lower during the day except Sassy is always cold and I feel sorry for her.

SHADDIE...kudos to you on eating a healthy lunch. Don't fall into the junkfood lane with the co-workers. Maybe you will rub off on them and they will eat healthy, unless of course, they are younger and that is there way of eating....lol

CHELLE...it will take about a year to fully recover from this surgery. It is a major surgery and yes your body is yelling at you to rest when you feel fatigued. Don't make me fly out there with the rolling pin and wop up on you. I did put Bob on the prayer list at church last Sunday. Hopefully it will help. Nice of you to clean up the doggie park. Amazing woman, you are!

CEEG...can't believe the neighbors would splice into your cable. Least they could do is pay half of it, rather than steal it. I tell you, nothing is sacred anymore. Not even cable. Are you feeling any better?

LAURA...are you getting back into the groove of work yet? I am slowly getting there. Go figure..we are going to have temps in the 40s this weekend. No wonder so many are having cold and flu issues.

Guess I had best get back at it. Only one meeting today at 2:30 for an hour, I think I can handle that. Today is taco Tuesday and boy have I missed it. Will be going for sure with a couple of co-workers. They like to go at 11 tho and it is hard for me to be hungry at that time. I know I will certainly try.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Morning all.

Annie – I’d seen your report re being CANCER FREE on FB last week – GREAT news!!! I was just wondering if the doc said if your recovery is going as expected. Enough of the discomfort!!! Poor C! I hope he feels better soon. I hope Sassy comes home good and tired tonight!! Oy re the ramp reconfiguration! So good your boss isn’t a jerk about being a bit late for work.

Terra – How’s the exercise going? Do you like what you’re doing?

Claygirl – I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of a dog that doesn’t like peanut butter, LOL. Yes, the ones I make are easy – just whole wheat flour, unsalted peanut butter, baking powder (or is it baking soda?) and some milk. If I really wanted to make it easy on myself, I’d just roll the dough into a log and cut it in plain old circles. But nope, I roll it out and cut it into shapes. I have dog bone- and dog-shaped cookies cutters, but I also use heart, star, and gingerbread men cutters as well. Re the thrift shop – yeh, I just love it when I find something useful for so cheap.

Michelle – As usual, just reading your posts makes me tired. I like the idea of having a personal trainer, but I know they’ll kick your butt if they don’t think it’ll kill you. Of course I’ve been to group fitness classes like that too! I hope your energy levels continue to increase as time goes on. You’re a busy person – no time for this “tired out” stuff, LOL! (But seriously, maybe you need to give yourself some downtime.) I like that stuffed chicken roll recipe – bf and I recently bought a combo meat tenderizer/pounder, so now we can flatten out chicken breasts and work out any frustrations all at once, hahaha.

Ceejay – Funny that your neighbors piggybacking on your cable tv would be no surprise to you. A brownie always sounds good to me! Sorry your plans for the wedding in Houston are now up in the air or likely to be canceled. I know you were looking forward to a big family gathering.

Shad – That salad does sound very healthy, but also very tasty! Good for you. I recall not eating very healthy when I used to travel for work. Boo on the long workdays. Looking forward to seeing the photos.

Susie – After I got home from the movie last night, I turned the tv on to see the last minute of the national championship game – wow, Ohio sure beat the tar out of Oregon, if the score is any indication. Glad your legs felt better. Probably a good idea to keep your dr appointments anyway. I can see why your hubby smiles – the word dongle is a funny word. Good that your bro has an extra one for you to use!! I will make a point of setting up my fitbit TONIGHT. I’m just not a fan of fiddling with gadgets – I just want them to do what they’re supposed to without me having to mess with them, haha. Yeh, I also need to get recommitted to healthy routines, but I’ve been dragging my feet. I think I just needed a breather after the busy-ness of the holidays. But now I’m ready!! Let’s do this!!

Dee – There you are! I agree, bacon makes everything better! That said, I try to avoid it. Re the brownies – if they are an infrequent treat, they should just be the way you like them and not “healthified”, but if that allows you to enjoy them more frequently and that's important to someone, why not?

Happy – Glad you enjoyed the yoga class! Sounds like a challenging one. When does your other yoga class start up again? Well, I guess it’s a good thing you’ve got the freezing weather to keep your pig frozen. We left part of a bag of russet potatoes in our 3-season room and the deep freeze did them in. We brought them in too late, and it was a few days later that I discovered they were partially liquefied and the icky liquid had oozed all over half of the surface of our kitchen cart. Eeewww. Oh boy, the talk about the heaters reminded me that I turned on the portable one in the basement workout area, oh, let’s say “a while ago”, and I’m not sure I turned it off…texted bf to check on it and it was still on. Aargh. Thank goodness nothing bad happened. With the exception of the electric bill that will probably be a whopper. Grrr.

Anyway…good idea to be thinking of the work involved in hauling wood or pellets for a heater. With both my mom and my friend looking to move to single level housing and bf’s mom moving from a 2nd floor apartment unit to the one directly below, I know how it is to not want to deal with a lot of stairs. Re brownies – I agree, buy one every once in a while and enjoy the full fat and flavor. And no frosting – a good brownie should be able to stand on its own. LOL re all the electronics involved in our “entertainment” systems. Yes, we have the 3 (or is it 4?) remotes, the tv, cable box, blue ray, sound bar…I can do the basics, but got forbid figuring out if a Christmas music CD can be played on the blue ray and how to get the sound out of something. Re protecting the system – it’s just a standard thing to limit access to only what’s needed. Too bad I didn’t realize earlier on that this particular person would be interested enough to monkey with the software - nothing serious, thankfully. The thing is that she’s my age – hard to believe some of the questions she asks about files, email, etc. Especially after a year at the company.

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I went to see the movie “Wild” last night. It stars Reese Witherspoon, and it was a good movie. I might just want to read the book upon which it’s based.

I got home around 10:45 pm and didn’t get to bed until nearly midnight, so I’ll probably get to bed early tonight.

Bf has been grilling me about the space heater being left on via text, and I imagine he’ll bring it up again tonight. I sure wish I’d remembered it while I was at home and could have shut it off myself…with him none the wiser, lol. Oh well, c’est la vie. The house hasn’t burnt down, thank goodness.

After work I’m gonna watch the Downton Abbey episode I dvr’d on Sunday and also set up my fitbit.

Okay, finally gonna get this posted. Why must this darn job interrupt the important stuff, haha. Off to read a 10-page "memo" in preparation for a meeting this afternoon. TTFN!

Good morning ladies,

I was too tired yesterday to go to the gym. I did get some exercise as Santa needed his walk. I went to bed by 9 pm, and slept 'till 6 am. I'm still tired today. I understand this is completely normal, it's just lasting longer than I expected.

I forgot who asked me if I've had labs done yet to see if I'm low on vitamins. Nope. Those will be done right before my 3 or 6 month follow up (can't remember which).

In the lunchroom this morning, there was some leftover fruit from a meeting with a client yesterday. I took one strawberry, one small piece of melon, and two grapes. My first fresh fruit since before surgery. I'm having my regular protein-based breakfast first. I usually have a Greek yogurt for breakfast, but lately at work I've been having Southwestern Style Egg Beaters with some diced ham.

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Happy - When you mentioned making rye bread in the breadmaker, I smiled to myself. I used to have one and used it frequently. I gave it to my ex-DMIL before I moved back to CA. Good thing too because I certainly wouldn't have any use for it now. Bummer that your trainer is so often late, but good that he is putting together a routine for you. Has it warmed up any since last week? I heard on the news today that Chicago and Minneapolis have had 10 straight days below freezing...and I was thinking...below freezing at this time of year is normal...single digits and below zero is bitter cold. To answer your question of raw versus cooked veggies. I can have either. The other day I was at a restaurant with my step-mom and nephew and my step-mom and I shared a Thai Shrimp Salad. It was my first time eating raw veggies, but I did ok. In general though, I'm able to eat between 1/2 and 3/4 cup of food at a sitting and I have to eat protein first...doesn't leave much room for veggies. Over time, I'll be able to eat a little more and I'll have room for veggies. So far, nothing's really bothered my stomach (knock on wood). I've had tomato juice, mild chili, and even really super spicy chili that someone brought to the Packer bar. And I just ate the fresh fruit and did ok. At last Friday's support group, we talked about recipes. There's one everyone swears by which is an Asian ground beef and cabbage dish that's nicknamed "Crack Slaw" because of how addictive it is. I like the idea of a cutting glove. I might have to get one of those. Thank you for reminding me that not only could I not even walk around the block prior to surgery, it wasn't that long ago when I lived in Wisconsin that I couldn't walk without a walker or cane, and I couldn't even go grocery shopping without using a scooter cart.

Laura - My ex bought me a mandolin many years ago. It didn't have the nice guard that they come with now. I used it exactly once and cut my finger so bad I nearly needed to go to the ER to get stitches. When does your group's fitness challenge start?

Ceejay - I hope the stronger Zantac helps and heals your stomach. Great job on all the exercise! So sorry to hear about the health problems your uncles and aunts are having. Sending healing wishes their way.

Claygirl - your garden is lovely! I can understand why you wouldn't want to sell your house if you end up moving over to the next district. Has your nausea eased up?

Terra - Good for you for keeping up with the exercise!

Laura - You and Happy are so good for making dog cookies. I feel like a "bad mom" for buying Santa store bought...but I am careful not to buy any treats that are made outside the U.S. What a great deal on the pink hoodie! Bummer that your half-bath is taking longer. Yes, guys are "less choosey". Hopefully, it will get done soon. You are definitely right about my trainer kicking my butt, but in a good way. At the training session on Saturday, we worked legs, chest, back, biceps, triceps and abs. We spent 20 minutes on abs. The doctor said don't do anything that hurts your belly...well it didn't hurt my belly until 2-3 hours later, then it was quite sore. I nearly emailed my doc or called the nurse hotline because even though I was 99% sure it was muscle soreness from the crunches, I wasn't positive. I spoke with my trainer and even though we will continue to work abs because I'm insisting on it since I need a strong core to help my back, we won't do quite as much. I definitely want to see the movie "Wild", and I want to see it on the big screen for the scenery of the Pacific Crest Trail. I just got the book from the library, and due to lack of time, I doubt I'll finish it before I see the movie. Didn't get to bed until midnight? I'm not sure I could function the next day if I went to sleep so late. Of course, I'm exhausted today and I got 9 hours of sleep. I am right there with you on brownies....no nuts...no frosting. Good for you for setting up your fitbit. I'm actually thinking of getting one now that I'm walking more...or I might get the Misfit Shine which tracks cycling too.

Susie - Sorry to hear you're still having leg, knee and hip pain. I hope the doctors can find a way to ease your discomfort.

Annie - So sorry to hear you're still having cramps. Thanks for putting a prayer request for Bob. I hope that was not Peyton Manning's last game. I enjoy watching him play. I'm sticking with the eating program and taking my vitamins and moving a lot more. I did have a few pita chips with hummus on Sunday while watching the Packer game - so I went off plan a little. My calories are right around 600 per day, and my protein is around 65-70 grams per day. I'm still not able to eat much at one sitting, so I usually have to supplement the protein with a shake. That's cool your DIL has started her own business. I "liked" her business FB page ("Bear Threads") for anyone looking for it. I'm so sorry to hear your DD is having relationship troubles with Chris. I hope they're able to work it out. Really? it will take a year to recover from the surgery? I'm going to have to do a better job of listening to my body and slowing down (which is next to impossible for me).

Happy, Laura and Annie - Something about winter...and it getting dark earlier...it's not even all that cold, but when I'm in for the evening, I don't want to go back out.

Shad - Bummer that you have to put in so many hours on this project. Working extra hours occassionally is not bad, but when it is EXPECTED..that's when it irks me. My yoga teacher took most of December off and is out of town for another two weeks. I'm feeling it in my back and legs. I need to motivate myself to do it on my own.


Now that I've written a novel, I should get back to work.

Much love and many hugs to all,

Annie ~ Its actually a pic from 2007, Its what I want to get back too, I recently found it on a site I hadnt been too in awhile so I thought I would put it on this forum as motivation.

Laura ~ The exercises are going good and yeah I like them

Michelle ~ Thanks for commenting on my exercising

OK Yoga experts out there. I found a class for Sis and I to go to at St, Francis South (Hospital) guess we will be in a good place should we poop out. The pricing is 10.00 a session or 80.00 for 10 sessions. Sounds halfway decent to me as the others I found were 15-17 bucks a session. Who knew? I did find one for 5 bucks a session, but it is in a scary part of town, not for me to save the bucks to go to. Does the 10 bucks per session sound reasonable?