Hi everyone!!! It is Friday. That is such a good thing. Carol and Nikki, sounds like both of you are doing good on your plans. Carol, is the acting up co-worker the one that promised to leave and then didn't? sorry work is stressful. Nikki great job losing another pound.

Penny, the burger sounds good. I'm making those tonight for dinner. I get 93% lean burger meat, have 4 oz and a 110 cal bun,a sprinkle of 2% Mont Jack cheese. It's about 320 calories and delicious. I only have them when I can BBQ them. Tonight I'll add a Yukon gold potato (they're so good they don't need any topping). And of course my nightly ice cream.

DH and I planted the 3 apple trees I bought from Gurney's. I love (really love) Honeycrisp apples and they actually sell the trees. It's a newer variety that's about $3 a pound so I bought two Honeycrisp trees and one Nova the pollinator. Now I need Bambi to leave them alone.

I exercised as usually this morning and the cals are still at 1540. So I'm doing good. I didn't lose anything from Tues. weighin but since my body loves its fat, I'm okay with that.

Marie

Hi, ladies--

Just popping in to say hi, I'm still out here. This trip is going well, but an old friend I was hoping to see passed away a few month ago. I didn't know until I called his office....so sad. Food is okay, but no time to workout yet except for dancing at a club last night.

Have a great weekend--judy

Carol - I'm glad you're liking SB. It's good that you are not having cravings for carbs. Carbs are definitely addictive and the more you eat the more you want! I hope your weather isn't too bad over there - the weather reports look scary for this time of the year. Good soup weather!

Nikki - You are doing good on Atkins - a pound a day Wow! I used to like having burgers on lettuce when I did low carb. I think I'd rather give up carbs than meat! I like the lettuce roll ups too - I still make them now and then. I also like to just spread some lowfat cream cheese spread on lean ham or turkey slices and roll them up with cucumber strips inside - yum!

Marie - Your burger sounds good too. I often make ground veal or chicken patties with lots of herbs, a dash of worcester sauce and onion in them. We just have them with veggies on the side, not in a bun. I'd rather 'spend' my carbs on half a potato. Those Yukon Gold are great, so creamy you don't need butter on them.

My burger splurge yesterday didn't hurt me any on the scale and I was down a pound this morning. I've been very busy cleaning out closets and marking all our storage boxes with what's in them - it gets very frustrating looking for stuff when we don't know what's in the boxes. It looks so nice and tidy - for now! I've got quite a bit of stuff together for a garage sale now that DS has left and so we'll probably have one when the weather gets warmer. I also grouted the new bathtub, sink and toilet and lined all the bathroom cabinet drawers. It looks so nice now. The old bathtub was dark pink with a horrible pink hexagonal sink and toilet - now they're all bright and white. The bathroom looks so much bigger.

Tommy is doing great and is very playful and talkative again. He keeps backing his butt up to my face when I'm in bed and meowing as if to say "look - my butt's better"! He looks quite a sight with half his fur shaved off, but hopefully it will grow back quickly.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Marie now how did you guess? At any rate I am not 100% sure but somehow feel she was involved in this mess. But it has all worked itself out with some of my investigating and my supervisors understanding and being fair. Yah know office politics have to be one of the worst things its even worse than having a tough case. Yah think people could do something more with their lifes. Someone told me today that they feel someone is jealous of my work performance and thats why this most likely happened. It was right over the top. I couldn't even believe it happened all so crazy, nuts and why?? Oh well its over hopefully until the next time. Like a bad chapter book theres always something lurking out there. I guess as I was told never ever trust anyone with info. and if its something private take your cell and call don't let others over hear your info. At the next staff I am sure a new rule will be developed to address this problem that wasted my time and my bosses this week. Needless to say the emotions that went with it. But I am proud of my accomplishments and not binge eating or going off my diet other than a little wine. Oh today I held a great meeting and they brought out a huge platter of those gaint muffins the real big ones, and coffee. Well I passed them up thanked the host and said just coffee I just started SB and none of that stuff until after the phase 1 and then it will be pretty limited. I seem to be okay and feeling full and cravings aren't so bad. I did pick up some nonfat yogurt but gotta figure out what to do with it. Currently no fruit! Penny yah not so bad its weird how you don't have those cravings just crazy. I would of never thought it would be so easy for the first 3 days. But I like veggies too. But fruit I will have back eventually in moderation. Judy dancing how fun is that! Good for you! Thats a calorie burner for sure. So sorrry about your friend that had to be rough. Well off to the casino with the girl friends tonight. I made a nice dinner broiled haddock ,scallops and cottage cheese. Hope you are all doing well and I have never been so glad to see a friday come.

Carol, sounds like you off to a fun evening. I hope you win lots. I'm sorry that the pest caused you so much grief this week. Why couldn't she have just left???

Judy, I'm sorry about your friend. That must have been quite a shock.

Penny, your bathroom sounds much nicer. I LOVE pink but not in my bathroom. My grandmother had light pink fixtures and it was sort of strange. Dark pink sounds even worse.

I'm so relieved it is weekend. I'm beat tired. I did take the doggies for a 1.5 mile walk today and according to my calorie counter, I'll be at 1550 cals for the day. Now I think it's time to zone out.
Marie

Marie oh by the way I have about 8 apple trees Bambi here likes mine too. This winter a couple had the bark missing hope they'll be okay. I don't get many apples yet? But my pear tree is usually the one which produces better. Around here the apple man down the way is just grooming his trees. I should be doing mine maybe this weekend or next pretty cold front with a winter storm suppose to blow in. Yes I do agree the problem would of been somehat solved it the CW had taken another position. But no matter what throughout life there are folks who get their jollys out of causing issues and watching others scramble to fit it. My meeting with the person whom was intended to get angry at me went really well yesterday so no damage was done in anyway there thank goodness. In the end it will back fire and people will learn to judge or maybe look at what is said first before reacting and maybe a contact to ask the person might be nice oh such a dreamer huh? Well I had some fun last night but no win should of spent my money on some clothes for spring instead oh well. But this a.m. I am a winner on the scale down 1 more lb. hurray. Yah know I went to this meeting yesterday and they brought out a huge platter of beautful big muffins and coffee. I was able to say no thanks I just started SB and the first stage is pretty tough about that stuff. But I was able to have a lovely cup of really good coffee. The thing was I was in control a shock to myself to beable to refuse the offer which was so good looking. So today I am 171.5 now that makes me happy. I made some broiled scallops and haddock for dinner with a side of cottage cheese. Had a piece of cheese for a snack at 11:00 and it was reg. cheese oops. But I was still okay. Today is day 4 and I am okay with plans of what I will make for dinner etc. Going to try pizza made with portebella mushrooms for a base. We'll see how that goes while everyone else has reg. I am reading the SB book so that I can understand my system and the diet better hopefully this will continue to go in the right direction for me. I think I was in a rut with repeating the same foods too many carbs etc. Hopefully I will come away from this thinner and with some good eating habits in place for long term health. Marie I did more walking today and it felt really good. If the snow holds off Bear and I may attempt a walk around the lake. If I just would get my butt in gear to walk as much as you Marie I'd probably shed lbs.
Penny the great hing about such a neutral color you can change the towels around for different seasons and the shower curtain etc. and have a whole new look from time to time in the bathroom without too much work. Good for you cleaning out I love garage sales. Have a great day girls I am off to make some eggs and turkey bacon for my breakfast.

Happy Saturday everyone. I've been cleaning like a madwoman and I like the results. I just love having a clean house again. To me that makes it relaxing, that and the peacefulness of not having a house full of slobs. DH, DS2 and I are definitely not slobs.

Called my parents today to chat. It's hard to believe they're nearing that 80 mark (couple more years). It was a nice conversation. They aren't coming for son1's graduation as son and GF have been rude to them too. They're going to come for Thanksgiving which is way better for me. The graduation is at the end of the school year and there's no way I can take time off from work. So this is great.

I did 2 miles on the treadmill this morning. .5 of it jogging. Tomorrow is my day off from jogging. I know my legs are ready for a break.

Carol, sorry about the no winning last night. I'm a loser when it comes to casinos. I figure they're rigged so I don't go. In Reno once I did put a $5 bill in a slot machine and won $25 on the one try. I quit while I was ahead. It was totally out of character for me.

Carol, Congrats on losing a pound!!! That's awesome.
Marie

Well I've made it to day 5 and have not felt too bad giving up somethings so far. I think last time I tried this some time ago I never read the book just browsed through. So reading it makes some sense to me and I am trying to understand the Dr.'s reasons behind certain reasonings and its sinking in my thick skull a bit more. Its interesting to say the least and any new knowledge is a start to better health habits I guess.
Marie good for you getting your house back to be the way you want it. Hurray and end to having so many around and now you can cook the way you and and run around without anyone checking yah out. Well sounds like its well underway to spring cleaning point. I don't always win at the casino but do have to admit I like to go and try. My friends always think I am lucky cause I win more than them at least they think so. Hah hah!
Well spring is on its way regardless to the snow we have on our ground and coming our way. Bah humbug! I am going off with a friend to buy some plants that Lowes store put out and they got frostbite looking. Now at 75% off which brings the pots of pansies to 1 buck a pot. I bought 3 yesterday and in one day they look great so off to buy 10 more to get ready to decorate my acre lot! Take care and enjoy your day I might be headed for a snow day on monday oh now how bad would that be????

Morning all. The weekend was fun but I overate. I admit it. I was at about 1850 cals on Saturday and 2050 cals yesterday. So for the challenge, I'm now averaging 1572. I know it's only 22 cals above my goal, but I'm going to get it back under 1550 again. This is the best challenge for me. It's making it easier to get back on track since I'm competitive with my fat cells. I got up early and exercised this morning. 3 miles and today is the end of the sun for a bit so I'm going to take the doggies out again. They and I did a 3 mile hike while I listened to an audiobook. I'll do that again today. DH and DS are working on DS's new project.

I did get a bit of stained glass done this weekend. I'm enjoying it. I'll post a picture when it's done. It's a wolf with Kodiak's colorings. I'm thinking of doing a white wolf to match that would be Blizzards colors. Then I'd have 3 wolfs that strongly resemble my Huskies (Teddy has since passed away several years ago but her stained glass is prominent in my house).

Okay, what's all of your thoughts. The VOICE is getting married on June 2nd - and today I received the invitation (with DH's name wrong but I digress). It's on the same day as the other co-workers that I RSVP'd that I'd attend but DH can't as he has guard weekend and his wedding is in the early afternoon. The VOICE's wedding is in the evening. DH and I "could" attend. But eeks... So do I do the proper thing and say we'll attend or send regrets and a gift? Personally I was hoping he'd quit before the date... What do you all think?
Marie

Hi Everyone-

Just a quick hello. I am still on track I am really enjoying atkins. I'll pop in tomorrow. I had a real rough day.
Nikki

Marie guess what it will be fun go and have a good time. Two weddings wow now yah got something fun to look forward to. Go show off your new body and wear something fun. Forget the voices loudness and how much he annoys you this could be a good time. You and the hubby deserve to kick up your feet and party a bit. Just my thouhgts! I too haven't been great today with a snow day and all. I stayed home and baked dozens of mexican wedding cake cookies for my daughters shower, bagged them in seal a meal and packed them in the freezer. Well yah know I had to try them out one made with pecans and one with walnuts. Oh this was naughty but I have been really good. I did have a great salad today. It was one I am making for the shower from Light Cooking Mag. Black Bean Taco Salad with Lime Vinaigrette. I figured the lime was okay as its not a sweet fruit. Oh it had grilled chicken in it. I made half for my lunch on tues. Oh so good and cals not bad good fiber and all. Well take care and this was day 6 even with a little cheating. I still have to be doing pretty well with no bread, pasta etc. I made them all beef stew I had a piece of the beef out of it that all. No potatoes or carrots or peas. I have read most of the book and some of the info. is quite interesting. Well back to work on tues. Have a great day and Nikki I am glad you are doing well.

Carol - I hope your office situation is going ok this week. It must be very stressful when you have to go in every day and face people who don't have anything better to do than make life hard for others. I hope your flowers don't get frozen in the cold weather you guys are having. Every year I put in a couple of dozen annuals but end up getting more because they just seem to "disappear" once they're planted in my flower beds. I'd love to have great big displays like you see in gardening magazines, but that must take hundreds of plants! I'm glad we've been putting in quite a lot of perennials as it saves a lot of money. I have a hard time resisting those pretty annuals though!

Marie - I don't think going over your calories last weekend will do any damage. Sometimes a few extra calories can get your metabolism going.
About attending the VOICE's wedding. I personally would only go if I liked the individual. Why suffer through being around someone you can't stand if you don't HAVE to be there? A nice card and a small gift would suffice in my opinion.

Nikki - I hope things are less stressful for you today. I'm glad you're doing so well on Atkins.

Judy - I'm glad you trip is going well. Sorry to hear that your friend passed away .

I got some nice compliments at Curves today. It reminded me that I have already come a long way and gave me some inspiration to try harder to lose. The pound I lost last week seems to be staying off so I hope to have lost another pound by Friday.

I'm at 1286 calories for the day, so that helped undo a portion of the weekend. I didn't want to fix it all in one day. But the average is at 1562 now, so I need another day or two of being good to make my 1550 cal goal. Nikki, what day is the end of this challenge and the beginning of the next? I really like being accountable to my calorie average.

DS2 and I took the doggies for a 1.5 mile walk after work. So that's 4.5 miles for the day. It was gorgeous outside - hard to believe snow showers are predicted for the rest of the week.

Penny, I'm thinking along your lines. I don't really want to go - actually I don't want to go to either, but I did RSVP yes to one. But the voice irritates me a bit.

Carol, DH would never have fun. He hates social functions. We're both introverts, him much more than me. So he'd prefer not going. I just haven't figured out a good excuse yet.

DH said the moved out son called to say hi. I asked, what does he want from us and DH said nothing, just want to chat. Hmmm, interesting.

The good news of the day was I finally finished the mammoth state reports that was due today. I finished at 3:30 on the deadline date. I'm very glad for that. Work should be a breeze for a few weeks.

Well, time to shower and wash my hair. One workday down, three to go. I'm taking many Fridays off for the next several weeks. YEAH!!!
Marie

Oh Marie in tht case send a card and enjoy the peacefulness in your home. My hubby would get along with yours great staying social activities and big crowds aren't his favorite either. Sounds like your on the way to get the cals back where you want them. But I do agree with Penny sometimes putting a little mix in things get our metabolism rolling again and your still in control so its okay. Maybe your son has had some time to think and is wishing things would of been different. Hopefully he doesn't need cash or anything just to say hello and try and mend the relationship. People sometimes don't realize when their in the heat of it what things they are doing and saying until afterwards. Then they look back and ouch! Good luck with that.
Today marks day 7 and I am going to be good and follow my intake according to the way its suppose to be without and curve balls today. So I am off to make breakfast and already prepared the black bean taco salad yesterday for my lunch. It was really good and high in the fiber also. Hopefully it will keep me full til dinner time. I have left over chili for dinner a beany day! Take care and hope everyone else is doing fine. No real snacks for one week today or bread, pasta I can't believe I accomplished that. Next week I will fit in a pasta dinner with portion size control of course.

Marie - My challenge ends May 20. I am then aiming for 10 more by June 30. That is my final goal !

Penny-It is wonderful when you get a compliment I bet you feel great. Keep up the good work.

Carol- How is south beach going? When do you have your first weigh in? What kind of Pasta are you going to use? They reall recommend staying away from it during the first 2 weeks. After that you can have some wheat pasta which really is not that bad it has a slightly different texture then real pasta.


I am a little better today. My legs are hurting pretty bad most nights so I jhave taken to using my wheelchair at home and only walking when absolutely necessary. I am still going strong on Atkins. I can't wait to weigh in after week one tomorrow. I got my TOM Saturday so I prob won't lose as much as I thought but I am still hoping for a nice loss.

Nikki