Okay... I'm home way earlier tonight, and I still can't keep up with all the posts!

Kerry: Congrats on the weight loss!!!!
WDW Crew: Plan,plan, plan! And I *still* want to go! PUHLEEESE???

Yes, grad school is over tomorrow night. I'm counting the hours and as soon as I'm done here, I'm going to go over to our website for the one class and turn in my final project. The instructors already saw it, since I showed it to them last night, I just haven't uploaded yet.
I've had a great endocrinologist for the last 3 years, and she's doing what my primary care doctors do not do/haven't done (well, I don't know the new one well enough....she might be doing it!): she reads EVERYTHING from ALL my other doctors (except my orthopedist, she didn't think she needed to be that involved since I'm not on any medication from the ortho!), and coordinates everything with an eye as to how it might effect my endocrine dysfunction. She's amazing.
Most of the food stayed down last night, but I woke up sick today... so I didn't eat anything again and am slowly working my way through what I consider a HUGE amount of food because I had PT and then went swimming, plus work... on 53 calories during the day before that. I know if I don't eat, I'll be in a lot of trouble later. So, we're hoping its going to all stick! This is getting so old! My curriculum & instruction grad class is going out for dinner tomorrow night, and they picked Macaroni Grill. I have no idea what I'm going to get there. They don't have PLAIN anything!
And I hate making all these substitutions in a huge group (there will be 14 of us).

Oh and free time? What's that??? I have FORTY-SEVEN new kids, and one class that is 15 large. I swear, I just about lost my mind this morning. The kids came in off-the-hook (to quote my TA), and just couldn't settle. They were loud and chatty the whole time they were doing their work. And then, one of the girls who has a seizure disorder had a full-blown petit mal seizure. Sometimes she fakes them, but when she does that she's oriented and responsive... she fakes them more often than she has them, unfortunately, so I'm never SURE... despite years of having kids with seizures. Usually, my clue is that she's completely unresponsive to her name, pitches forward, and when she does respond has no idea who she is or where she is or who I am. So I'm dealing with that, my TA is trying to get the class under control, and it was horrendous.

Okay Robyn, I logged onto Tour Guide Mike and, what the heck, put it on my Visa. I just spent 4 hours surfing his website and getting info.
OH MY GOD!!! I AM TOTALLY INTIMIDATED BY THIS TRIP TO DISNEYWORLD!!! I AM SO OVERWHELMED AND JUST PLAIN DIZZY!!!

I'm afraid of making a mistake. There is just too much pressure to get this right. I'm used to going to Cape Cod, lying on the beach or switching it up and going to the pool. The only decision to make is where to eat. I love to relax and chill. I return so calm and serene. I don't think I will be allowed to relax in Disney. I feel like I must do everything at the most optimum time in the best way or else!!! Geesh!!! Yes, I want to have the best time possible. No, I don't want to waste time waiting in lines. I just hate it that I have to plan so much.

I thought Mike was supposed to do the itinerary for me...isn't that why I filled out the questionnaire? Instead, I have to read 12,000 articles, piece all his advice together and figure it out myself. I am such a friggin basket case now.

I appreciate your advice to plan now, because otherwise we would have flipped when we arrived. And, we probably would have really f*cked up the whole vacation doing everything wrong. So, thank you for that Robyn.

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!

Kerry, congrats on your weight loss!

Um, for some reason I am feeling horrible for telling you about TourGuide Mike! I didn't mean to cause you such horrid stress! I'm sooooo sorry! I FEEL HORRIBLE! I'm sorry!
I still have my printouts for Mike....want our list of the order of the rides? I did not mean to cause you this grief! I 'm sorry!

I really didn't want you to be standing in lines for wasted hours....
I'm soooooo sorry!

I'm just about sick of thunder, lightning, and RAIN! What is up with the rain this summer? Summer, pack some cheap rain ponchos!

soooo.....here is my latest! I originally posted this to a group somewhere else that are all using TheFirm tapes ......please forgive the cut and paste...but, well, you know!

Today is my WI and measure day. When I got on the scales, they say I've GAINED! The tape measure says that since July 2nd, I've lost inches in my calves (combined 1.5 inches), thighs (4.25inches combined), hips (1 inch), waist 2 inches, bust 3 inches, bicepts (combined 1.25 inches)..........
My pants fit differently. BUT the scales say I've gained 2 pounds? WHAT DO I DO NOW? I don't want to be a 200 pound muscle bound gal! I'm using 3, 5 and 8 pound weights. I don't use any weights when I use the fanny lifter because of my knees! I can't GAIN more weight...I'm supposed to be shedding it! arghhh!

Can anyone help me? I *can* do better with my WW, but please know that my food intake is NOT out of control! I'm staying within my points range with my WW most every day! (But that needs to be EVERY day!) I am so distressed over the darn scale this morning! arghhhh!

I am drinking all of my water or more daily with an only an iced tea or crystal light every now and again..... ???

I had a hysterectomy but I still have my ovaries and do go thru monthly changes (TOOO MUCH INFO?! ) but I have NO clue of the cycle....I stopped paying close attention to it after a while....... I don't KNOW! I'm trying to find SOMETHING that would give me some great EXCUSE for this change on the scales....


Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

take care,
Robyn

Robyn: It is muscle. I know you don't want to be muscle bound, but that is the only thing I can see since you say you're not eating more. I freaked out a few weeks ago for the same reason: I gained 4 pounds despite my lack of eating and throwing up... But I have been swimming like no mouse should! And my friend who works at the gym said it was muscle, and that my arms and legs are developing muscle...
Its the funniest thing: I can see little teeny tiny ab-type muscle where they should be, and then underneath that is this huge freaking pannus from the endocrine disorder! Drives me nuts!
But I'm there... you're fine. Muscle takes more calories to maintain than fat, so you'll lose more next time you weigh in.
I swam 1.25 miles today in 1:20 minutes... and it was a little too much. I couldn't walk afterward for nearly 30 minutes (15 in the regular pool, then another 15 in the much warmer therapy pool).

I don't have time for a decent post...I have to return to Tourguidemike. But, I did want to tell you Robyn that I second what Mousie said. It is muscle. Focus on those inches lost girl. It would be different if you gained and didn't lose any inches. But you did...YOU LOST INCHES!!! YIPPEE!!!

Well, I'm off Tourguidemike for now. Robyn, I am making progress. I still have quite a ways to go, but now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Phew!

Sorry for being MIA for a few days. Summer, I am so sorry - I think I started this whole thing by suggesting you look at a tour book for your Disney trip. The place is so overwhelming.....but so is planning to go too!!!!! The only thing I can add to this is at least you have an action plan now.....or sort of know what you options are. And be ready to quickly launch "Plan B"- because sometimes you get to WDW and weather or whatever (large tour groups etc....) just blow your plans out of the water. But at least if you have an idea of what you really want to see you can quickly regroup and move on.

Robyn- sounds like muscle to me!!!!! The only thing I could add, is are you sure you are within points (portions measured out etc.......) no hidden point foods- and are you journalling everything??? Check your BLT's (I learned this one at Tuesday's meeting!!!!!!) At first we thought BLT's were, well the traditional bacon/lettuce/tomato sandwich until the group leader told us BLT's were bites, tastes, and licks. Bummer........ Journal all of them.... BUT it does sound like muscle to me.
And you WILL NOT become "Mrs Muscle" with the lighter weights you are using. Hang in there. You have hit a "non scale victory" (another WW meeting gem)- in that the tape measure says you have lost. You are doing great!!!!!!!!

Mouse- glad that most of your food stayed down, and good job getting your swim in.
Today it must feel good.....done with grad school today, right? Sorry your kids gave you such a hassle, it sounds like a LARGE class!!!! As far as dinner goes, try going to Dotties Weight loss Zone (search on yahoo for the web page). I know you are not on WW, but she has gone to most restaurants and converted most entrees to WW points. Figure anything at a restaurant for less than 13 points is pretty good. Or you can try getting a normal meal and taking home half with you for tomorrow? At least a little bit of dammage control.

Me, I am up to my eyeballs keeping up with our children. Dd goes off to college orientation Monday- Wednesday next week, and instead of getting ready, she seems more intent on spending time with her Bf......grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr........think I am going to have to hide the keys to the car or something. And weekends she is busy with softball, but then I do not want to go there about that...... Today Dd (8) has swimming lessons, so I will get my walk in while she is there. Fortunately, Ds does not have to work today- because they were desparate and asked me to sub today on a special ed run. I should have a monitor, so it should not be too tough. In an odd way I am looking foward to working the 2 hours- gets me out and not colliding with Dd(the 18 year old).
Better go get ready to take Dd to swimming......... see you later.
Ginny

Thanks for the restaurant tip. I was more concerned about getting something that wouldn't make me throw up at the table or make me really sick since I had to present in my 2nd class right after.
I can really deal with the kids. Its the adults I can't stand. I am really getting to hate the people I work with, honestly. So many of them have such huge egos and think they're so wonderful. I'm there to teach, not kiss butt, not socialize, not go to a bar... Just let me teach and LEAVE ME ALONE.
I will work with other staff in a team situation to deal with the kids, but beyond that I'm not really interested in you or anything you wear, how your hair looks, etc.
And I'm especially not going to cause MYSELF stress because YOU can't do YOUR job.

Mousie,
Sounds as though we would in a real life situation get along great. I too could care less about all the nonsense politics of work.......I just like to work and perform to the best of my ability. Love your line about not causing yourself stress because the other person is unable to do their job...... Good luck with the restaurant!
Ginny

Hi Ladies,
Sorry I have been MIA for a few days. We had company over on Wednesday. It was the let's just pop in on them kind. They stayed from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. We had a nice visit. We played outside with the kids and talked. But I had really wanted to take a nap and then go on-line that afternoon. Yesterday we went to Art lessons, came home and worked out of my stepds' workbooks so they wouldn't lose anything they learned last year over the summer. Went for 2 bike rides with the kids and then went to water aerobics last night. I was fine in the pool until I got a horrible cramp in my calf. I could hardly move. But I made it out of the water and walked around for a little bit. Today I had to go workout at Curves, run to get my paycheck and then go to the bank and pay bills. Fun stuff. The dh and I are going to have some quiet time to ourselves tonight. Since his kids go home with their mom for the weekend. Then starting on Monday they are only with us for the day Monday thru Friday. So hopefully I will finally get some rest. Enough about me.
Robyn, I really agree with everyone else. Honey you are building up muscle. You will become a well-toned figure. Your are going to be some muscle bound chic. Trust us on this! Congrats on the inches lost! Keep up the good work!
Summer are you relaxing a little more about your trip to WDW? How many more days until your vacation bound?
Mouse congrats on making it through grad school this summer. I bet you are glad it is over for a little bit. Have a nice time at dinner tonight. Good luck on your presentation tonight too!
Ginny I hope you enjoyed your trip today. Sometimes it is nice to go back to work just to get away from everyone for a little while.
Well my stepdd just learned how to ride her bike. So she wants to go try it out on the bike path. Talk to you all later.
Have a great weekend!
Kerry

HAVING computer issues..... arghhh...I will return! SOON, I hope!
Robyn

Kerry- was that just a really tough "charlie horse" that you had?? Gosh, they can be so painful.....sometimes they are caused by a lack of potassium, I was prone to them while pregnant. Glad that you were able to get over to the side of the pool ok. Walking does help. Do you like Curves? I am trying to decide if I want to join the one here after school starts. Just something to break up the workout routine....but I doubt I would have time to go. Glad you enjoyed your company! Hope this weekend is good to you.

Robyn- don't you hate it when the stupid computer acts up!!!!!!! Hope yours gets over its hormonal state.....and that your weekend is going well.

I must say, I rather enjoyed my 2 1/2 excursion yesterday. I drove, and the great lady who trained me was my monitor....it was nice to spend some time with her again (I spent huge amounts of time with her while training). I knew we would be on a special ed run- and you see a real mix of students with all kinds of different needs. Some who really appear as though they could/should be mainstream....yesterday we took home a student, wheelchair bound who remained totally expressionless during the entire trip. Not just expressionless, unresponsive to all attempts at communications.
Until we pulled up in front of her home.....she broke out into the most beautiful smile... I will never forget her or her face.......breaks your heart to see how limited her life must be, but then that smile told it all....ok I am a mush....but I was glad to take her home and witness her joy. And I came home and hugged all 3 of my cantancerous but otherwise healthy kids.

Went to one of Dd's softball games today......then came home to be with the other two. I forgot how much I have grown tired of softball-one game seems to slide into the other- yawn! I love her to death- just all the years of summer ball (average of 6 games per weekend and no time to do little else) for the past7 years have taken their toll on me. It is good to be home.

I am taking the remaining two to see I Robot this evening- hope it is not too violent for Dd to handle. So few movies that everyone can see these days.......Ok I am tired (can you tell?) and had better go. Dd and her buddy want to go swimming.
Enjoy your weekend!
Ginny

Hi, everyone.

Kerry: this must have been the week for charley horses/leg cramps. I swam way too much on Thursday on top of physical therapy for my ankle. The PT changed the routine: I normally do the exercise bike first, then stretches... but they stretched first, then bike... and then I had issues getting started with swimming, so once I got started i didn't want to stop. A friend had to help me out of the pool, right in front of the physical therapists! The PTs are at the gym I belong to, and so use the pool for some clients (not me, probably because I already swim). I was pretty embarrassed, to be honest.
Ginny: Let me know if I, Robot is any good? I'm not a big Asimov fan, but I did like some of the books with Daneel (the robot). I might go see it. But I'm afraid they might do to the movie what they did to Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers.
Also, if you want to join Curves, finding time would be 'you time', right? Last year, I did a lot of time on a handbike (you pedal with arms instead of legs) because I didn't want to make time to swim. It takes longer, because of changing and such. But this Spring I had no choice: I either swam or did nothing. So, I swam. Of course, I don't have kids so that makes a big difference. I just have a demanding pussycat who meows frenetically when I'm not home by a certain time! I swear he can tell time.