Annie, it's so wonderful that you had such a great reaction to fitting into a size 18. Things like that just mean the world to us because we don't ever think it can happen to us. You've done an unbelieveably beautiful transformation of yourself, and you have so much to be proud of. I know we all are!!!
Great news on the nice bike ride and lottery ticket!
Yes, definitely go for the dress. Sounds like a sign if I ever heard of one!

Catherine, you're just too funny~! Is that 3000 books?? Wow!! That's wonderful!

Debi, congrats on the 4.6lbs gone forever!

The party went well with the guys from JIm's work. They played pool, poker, horseshoes, bocci ball, and even DDR which was pretty hilarious when they were all drunk and stumbling all over the pad. There were 3 girls there too but most of them were probably in their 20s and then a couple of older folks. But all in all, it was alot of fun.
Today we went to the farmer's market and bought a 1/2 flat of bosenberries, raspberries, and blueberries. I don't know what I"m going to do with them yet, but I just had to get them. All the fresh veggies there looked so pretty and colorful. We also stopped at the local veggie stand and got some fresh veggies to roast and bake. YUM!! I got some lofat vanilla yogurt and some granola to mix together for a quickie breakfast too. I want to learn how to make my own granola since it's so expensive in the stores. I'm also going to can some blackberries if they ever get rip, so look out Anne, I might be asking you for some advice!!
Today we cleaned up after the party too, so things are looking normal again.
Off to go play some games. Hope everyone is having a great OP water drinkin' day!
Debbie

Greetings Chickies (and hiding roosters)!!

OMGosh, tis hot out here. I got almost all the yardwork done. Picked up doggie leftovers and toys, the weeds were sprayed...
tried to mow the grass. Then the silly mower died. Something was in
the carburetor It's happened before. The korean guy who was cutting up
wood next door came over AFTER I sprayed out the carb with cleaner and
had made 2 start attempts and got it started. Ugh.. a couple more pulls
and I'd have gotten it. Then he started going on about how the air filter is the most important part of the mower. I told him I not only changed that, but the spark plug and blade at the beginning of the season. Geeesh. Hhehehe. Men are so funny.

I went to Pep Boys and they had a garage-type canopy for $79. That's
the cheapest I've seen anywhere, so I got one. I had it all put
together except the side poles and the neighbors came over to help. It
was nice of them. Made it go up faster. No more pooping crows on my
car!!! I hate those birds. There's a pair that does it to my car every
night. Plastic owls and chimes have not worked. BTW, the birds won't
poop on the car cover, but the cover is a pita to put on and off.

Letsee.. grass mowed, weeds sprayed, hedges trimmed, limbs lopped, stuff
bagged, garbage can cleaned, new hose holder installed... phew. I'm
done for the day. All of that also took 1 trip to Pep Boys (canopy), 1
trip to Home Depot (weed killer), 1 trip to Advanced Auto Parts (carb
cleaner), 1 trip to Lowes (weed sprayer, old sprayer died), 1 trip to REI (tent stakes for canopy) and a side trip to McD's for a chicken sandwich (I don't eat the bread).

I'm dead and I didn't even get the lawn edged. Maybe tomorrow.

DMPLS, your family is so cute! Mom and I have had giggle moments as well. Good times to remember! .. BYE! hehe.

Annie, wow, size 18 AND a good bike ride AND a winning lotto. Go girl!

Catherine, only a half glass of wine?! Too funny. Congoratz on 3000!!!

Debi, w00h00 on the big time loss !!!

Debbie, wow, sounds like a great party. DDR drunk? Should have had the video camera ready.. hehe.

Hugs to Julee, Julia, Rain, Brandnew, TTFU, Carol, Monica, Realist, Nancy, ProfHeather and all my lurkers!!!!

Luv,
Ratkity

I have paid my penance. I kept checking my feet to make sure that I haven't actually walked them off. The flea market was disappointing. Everything was way too expensive. Who would pay $18 for a used DVD at a fleamarket? My favorite used book seller was no longer there. Stopped at the thrift store on the way home to make up for it. This is the time of year to buy winter stuff. I can only buy tops there, but someday I hope to be able to buy pants too.

Hello All,
Well today I am feeling a little better as the day goes on. I am able to stand up without feeling like I was going to topple over. I have housework to do now, as I have been gone most of the day. Hubby will return tomorrow after his weekend away. I am ready for one of those!

Julee-just a suggestion, but would your MIL care if you made a dish to take over to dinner? Maybe then you would not feel like you couldn't eat anything. And, it would have great flavor if you made it. Just suggest to her that you feel that she doesn't need to be doing all the cooking. Even if it is just a bag of fresh veggies to take over once in a while. My MIL would welcome a change and if they liked it, she would ask for the recipe. There are certain foods that I make that they rave over and she won't even try to make, so she ask me to make it.

Debbie-kinda funny about the drunks and DDR. I agree you should have video taped it! lol

Trying to get water in but not succeeding to well, so I better get another one in. young daughter and friend are having a lemonade stand outside. Yesterday they made $3.00 and thought that was great for a half hour. So they are going to try again. It is a good way to get that sugary stuff out of my freezer anyway! I will try and check in later. Penny

Hi again,

I'm back from the grub-hub (grocery store). I made it out alive.. hehe. No frosted cookies!!! I didn't even think about going by them. Nothing like negative reinforcement to make them unappealing. I was in a hard cheese mood, so I believe I bought $30 in cheeses.. hehe. I'm going to have to cut them in half and freeze them cuz I"ll never eat them before they turn into a science experiment.

Catherine, I feel the pain in your feet! I feel like I walked miles and miles in my yard while cleaning, mowing, weeding, etc. I even wore my sneakers. Sometimes I'll wear my river sandals and they aren't very good support. $18 for a used DVD? bleh. No wei. DVDs are going for $9 here cuz of the push for BluRay.

Penny, excellent suggestion to Julee about bringing a dish. My mom would luv that (I have no MIL). I hope you are feeling much better now. Take it easy. Housework never goes away and it'll wait for you. Get enough rest!!

DMPLS, I rem a funny giggle moment with my Mom. I was riding in the front with her driving and dad was in the back. Dad doesn't hear hardly at all and Mom was telling me about how the doc diagnosed his back as Degenerative Disk Disease... however, when she said it, it came out as Degenerative D#ck Disease (no, not the avian). Being a stauch Christian that never ever says bad words, she said "oops, maybe that too" before she caught herself. We started laughing so hard, she almost had to pull over. Dear Dad didn't hear any of it and was puzzled what had tickled us so much. Mom just said "girl talk, honey!". I still grin silly thinking about it. Nothing like having a Mother/Daughter moment.

Hugs to all!
Ratkity

Me again, Well the girls have given up on the stand as it is so hot outside. They had three customers in a hour. I asked if they were two of them and they said, "No then that would be 5 and we would have to pay mom"! Wow, but then they said they did drink some and would I give them the money for their cups! My reply was, " I gave you a couple of dollars to start, take it out of that." Of course I was laughing, so they laughed too. I have dishes half done and dinner done, so they are eating now.

Ratkitten- Yep, I know the housework NEVER goes away, but I have to try and keep up or I won't do anything! And besides hubby home tomorrow and who else will do it! I am taking it easy. SEE, a break to come and check the computer! lol
And take the dog out of course!

Catherine-I love thrift stores too! Mostly because the kids grow so fast. I need to take girls to get some jeans. I have never been able to find anything for me to wear there. I get used candles there though, as I need them to make my camping firestarters.

Dgramie-how was your day of shopping? Great WI!!!! Good for you!

Carol- Yes, I am drinking water and feeling a little better. Thanks It is still one of those days where I just "don't care". I ate an ice cream cone when I went to town with a friend. And french fries and fried fish for lunch (in olive oil) but still. Very bad for me I know. It has been forever since I have fried anything and today, I didn't care. Good thing I only had olive oil in the house! I think I will have some fruit and yogurt later. I keep telling myself I am not going to WI tomorrow because with the stress this past week it will be bad. A friend said I could pass on a week as they have that at WW. I said I will probably WI, I will just have to get back in the mood and FOCUS on what it is that I need to do.

DMPLS- hope you had a good visit with sons girlfriend!

Well, my girlfriend/neighbors mom passed away and I was over talking with her. I told her that hubby put the gym together and now she is excited to come over and "workout". She weighs approximately 120 and feels she is always overweight. But I love her anyway, she is so funny. Our young girls are the same age. So many stories to tell of them together now, I can't imagine when they are teenagers!!! EEEEEKKKKKKK! O.K. break over I must get back moving. Penny

Ratkity- I nearly choked on my water when I read your story about your mom..."oops, maybe that too!"

I was kinda bad today but not too bad...we went to HuHot Mongolian grill for lunch but I had something fairly healthy: shrimp & scallops w/ pad thai noodles, broccoli, mushrooms and cabbage w/ some black bean garlic sauce. Yummmmmm... Wound up being about 11 points, but then I went and got a nonfat Mocha at Starbucks (not a bad treat at 4 points a pop...just can't do it too often).

Also went to see Stepbrothers; extremely silly (and a little vulgar) but pretty funny! (If you like ridiculous movies )

Just a 'rush' post. I'm not really in a rush, but more of a 'blah' mood, so I am going to be rude and not do any personals, although I am still reading EVERYTHING and want to talk about SO many posts. I'm just being very selfish today.

I am recovering from being sick this last week. YEP! AGAIN! And it is EXACTLY the same thing I have already had TWICE this year. I am kinda getting a little fed up with it all. I figure that a lot of it has to do with my new teaching role this year. I now teach 200 kids from 4yrs old to 9 yrs old, instead of just having my one group of grade 2 to 4 kids. Maybe I am being exposed to more 'bugs' with this wider group of kids. I also have a feeling that teaching music may be doing 'something' to my throat that is allowing these bugs to get such a good hold each time. All three times I have had laryngitis and have had to take almost a week off work. I am not going to accumulate much sick leave this year. Thankfully I have a lot of days already accumulated, or I would start to panic. I have been to the doctor and have been told (actually by two different doctors as I had to return to get my sick certificate extended) that it is simply a virus and there is not a lot they can do for me. I have a referral to see an ear/nose/throat specialist, but that isn't for two months yet. I have been told that if the doctor thinks it is urgent then they can book me into one of their emergency slots, but they have to hear from the doctor. I think if I get this ONE MORE TIME I will be asking for one of those earlier slots. On the way back from the doctor's the other day I just broke down and cried in the car. Poor Neil didn't know what was happening. I HAD JUST HAD ENOUGH! The cry seemed to work for a while, but I was still feeling pretty awful up until this morning. I don't feel 100% today, but I certainly feel better. Another problem is that each time I get it, it seems to be a little worse than the last one. This past week I have had more pain killers than I have had in the past 5 years I think. I have a concoction (Vit C and other 'stuff' powder) from the Pharmacy that is supposed to strengthen my immune system, which is what I figure I need. Fingers crossed that this works. I think I am extra frustrated because last year I got NOTHING! Absolutely healthy all year (well, physically I was healthy... mentally I had a minor meltdown, but that is another ball game altogether). I was beginning to think that I had everything worked out perfectly in the healthy-eating department and my body was proving that I was doing it all right. That theory has been blown this year, as I haven't changed anything that I am eating and I have all these bugs. AAAAHHHH!!!!

It was funny when the doctor wrote the referral to the ENT specialist. She wrote something like "Zelma is a music teacher and teaches choir, obviously losing her voice repeatedly is not helpful." NO KIDDING! It actually worries me if it IS something to do with my work, because I am really enjoying my new music and choir roles and don't know what can be done if it is affecting my health anyway. I am also looking into seeing a voice therapist to see if I can use my voice more effectively.

Anyway... I know that some of you have FAR worse things to worry about than recurring viruses, but I want to thank you for 'listening' to me whine. It has helped to get it all out, even though I now feel guilty for not chatting with you all.

Other than my bugs, nothing much else has been happening. Today hubby and I went for a lovely walk around a large park in the middle of the city. We took a couple of pics of the scenery that I am hoping to post and hubby took LOTS of pics of wildflowers. It is just getting into wildflower season here and things are looking quite beautiful. It was lovely to get out of the house for a little while, although I had to take things a little easy for my first day of movement for about 5 days.

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend and I truly do plan on getting back here to chat a little more soon.

Take care,

Zelma

Hey Ladies! I'm home! I had a great trip, but also am very glad to be home. Boy did my dogs give us a royal greeting last night!

I'll post a few pics later!

Morning Chickies

Went to see Mama Mia the movie last night. Had a good time. Such a feel good movie. Love the theatre version more. Taking the fam to the beach today. Have a great day everyone!

Good Morning!
Well I got a few hours sleep last night. Still blah mode too. Talked to hubby about 2:30 this morning finally after not being able to reach him. So felt better about hearing his voice, but not better that he is so far away. He is coming home today though. I did not want to step on the scale this week as I knew it would be a gain. I was trying to take a pass, but knew I couldn't. I have had so much go on with family/work/stress. So Yes there was a gain. Up until the last couple of days I ate alright and water in and then, it was like I didn't care. Other than the fried french fries and fish and ice cream cone yesterday, I haven't felt like eating and haven't got my water in. Only 2-4 bottles a day and no exercise. I know I have to get out of this feeling somehow and get back on track. I know when I am stressed/worried that I don't eat at all. I know it is not good for me. I am good about kicking myself most days, but lately I haven't. Oh well, that is enough.

Heather-Good to see you back!

Zelma-Sorry you are feeling ill. Hope you are better soon. I know when I taught preschool it seemed like I was getting sick more too. Maybe it is just being around all those sniffles! Keep your chin up and I'll keep you in my prayers. I hate it when doctors tell you it is "just a virus". It makes you feel like they don't have a clue of whats wrong. Get better soon! Maybe it is allergies. It sounds like you and hubby had a nice walk in the park!

Well, I am going to get daughter up for work and other one up for church so I need to move. Thanks for listening to me ramble. Everyone have a great day! Penny

G'morning all!

Monica, I love chicken pad thai. There was a place outside of Austin (called Beeville) that had the best pad thai! A friend of mine had a parrot (Amazon) that loved it too.. hehe. I like the nonfat mocha for a treat too

Zelma, it's ok to be frustrated by being sick!! Vent away. My sister is a teacher for high school students and either is getting over a cough/bronchitis or getting it. Like an achille's heel, I guess. I know an ENT doc could help you somehow, but I think you hit it on the mark when you said talking to a voice therapist might be even better! I'm glad you got out to see the wildflowers.

Welcome home Heather!!! Give those doggies lots of hugs and kisses.

Julia, I heard MamaMia was a great uplifting movie. Mom wants to go see it as well. Have a fabbo time at the beach!

Penny, I was overtired yesterday from my yard marathon and didn't sleep at all. I'm glad you got ahold of DH and was able to get a few hours after that. Everyone has blah weeks on this journey! No more beating yourself up, ok? *hugs*

Well, I have a list of stuff I wanted to get done today and it's past 9:30 and I'm still drinking my morning tea. I need to get that all or nothing mentality out of my head and just do one thing for now on my list, right? <pep talk here>

Hugs to all!
Ratkitten

Morning all,
I had a wonderful time yesterday with my older daughter.We shopped until I dropped. I only bought a few things...a couple of new tops and a set of knives(14.99 for a $60 set at bed bath and beyond). I picked up a bday gift for my daughter in law and a few things for the baby. I have another shower to attend on sat. I even bought a purse my daughter wanted and put it up for christmas. I even did the bra shopping thing and found the best fitting one yet at Macys on sale.We had a blast!!
Not sure why I had such a big loss this week..i used to do a whosh like battle...but hadnt had one in a while.It was really the boost I needed !
Didnt get in enough water yesterday so trying to pump that back up to my gallon today.Daughter will be home for one more night so who knows what we will eat tonight..its so much harder when she is home.

zelma-sorry you are sick again!! I get frustrated being sick as well!

rat- wow you have been working really hard this week. I need to pull weeds today but im afraid it wont get done until tommorow. I also need to pick the garden again. Veggies are slowing way down now.

heather_ tell us about your wonderful vacation.

julia_ have a wonderful day at the beach

penny- my girls use to sell lemonaid...they also use to paint rocks and sell them. I still cant believe people bought the rocks.lol

catherine- sorry you didnt find any awesome deals at the fleamarket. glad you got some tops at the thrift store.

monica- today is a new day..get right back on the plan and you will do great! Everyone has an off day sometimes.

gotta go buy groceries and work on laundry.
hugs
debi

WI day is not until tomorrow, but since I do weigh every morning and the scale has read 289 or a bit less for 6 days now, I'm calling it official that I have released my first 100 lbs. I started my new lifestyle last August 22nd, so I am really proud to have lost 100 lbs in a year. I posted a pic from Christmas day and one from yesterday so I could see if there was a difference since I can't ever seem to see one in the mirror. Even though I don't like either picture, I did note that I actually look like I have shoulders now lol. So anyway, I'm feeling really good today & wanted to share. Now moving on to the next 100 lb release.

Wishing everyone as good a day as I am having.

GO GO TEX!! w00h00!!! Congratz and Happy Snoopy Dance!

That is a fabulous accomplishment.

HUGS to you,

Luv,
Ratkity