Judy, no typo there. It's predicted for later tonight. Eeks. But for some reason at the moment it is sunny (that wasn't predicted). I have hopes that it won't snow but as I live in a higher elevation, it's to be expected. By the weekend I hope to be heating my pool againa nd swimming again.

And Great job on exercising. I think the key to your post was that you noticed they ignored you and each other. I think most people don't notice other people. My enlightening on this was a while ago getting ready for work and realizing that the outfit I chose was very similar to the one the day before. So I thought about it and realized I had no idea what any of my co-workers ever wore not to mention the day before. That's when it dawned on me that we're all pretty self absorbed. So with that knowledge, I wear swimsuits at public beaches with no effort to cover my fat, I wear shorts because they're cooler, etc. Very freeing and you've got it now at the fitness center. That's awesome!

Penny, enjoy your salad luncheon. It sounds nice. If you done, by chance, with your yard, would you like to drive south about 292 miles??? And do mine? Since I have allergies/asthma I'll use that excuse for the weeds taking over. I am, in fact, lazy by nature.

Nikki, way to go on the loss. You are doing great. Perhaps it'll take a while to get to your goal, but when you realize how far you've come, being patient is easier.

Carol, thanks for the tip on the Paul Newman Lite Caesar - I LOVE caesar salads but gave them up. I will see if my grocery store has it this afternoon because that would be an awesome treat. With the 46 degree high weather today, we're having chili so there would be room in the cals for a salad with a bit higher calories. Again, thanks!

I did 1.4 miles walking and .6 miles jogging on the treadmill again this morning. I really like my new treadmill and I'm currently in an obsession with audiobooks - so during the workout I finished on and started on another. I finished Ransom by Danielle Steele (not my favorite author as her point of view is all over the place and she write flowery) but that book was actually very good and I enjoyed it. Now I'm listening to How to Get Rid of Matthew. So far so-so but I'm only about an hour into it.

DS1, DGS and DS's GF came over for dinner last night. It was enjoyable but there is definitely still a little tension there. I'm not sure if that will change but it was great to see DGS. I just love him to death. He's a cool little boy and he's walking a lot more.

Okay, time to work. so far the server is working much better today. Apparently it didn't like May Day.
Marie

Judy-way to go on the workout

Marie - Snow yikes its May !I'm glad you got to see your DGS.


Thanks Judy and Marie. I know it will come I am just having a kind of down day. I think because I only got like 2 hours sleep last night.

{{}}
Nikki

Nikki - Congratulations on the loss! I hope that adding some carbs back into your diet works for you. As you say, changing things around a bit can get our metabolisms going. I hope you catch more zzzzz's tonight.

Judy - I used to be very self conscious when I worked out at a regular gym, that's why I like Curves so much. On the other hand, it's very true that most people are self-absorbed and could care less about how others look when they are working out. So you're a Jeopardy fan. I used to watch it a lot years ago but got out of the habit when my DS and DH took over the remote! I've always enjoyed general knowlege quizzes & crossword puzzles - I think they keep your mind sharp.

Carol - I'll have to try the low cal Paul Newman dressing. I like his other dresssings a lot. It's good if I can save a few calories here and there on things like dressings - it all adds up. You must be getting excited about the shower. I hope you have a lovely time. You spinach salad sounds nice - I'm glad it's safe to eat it again.

Marie - I can believe you guys might get snow - we've had horrible hail and rain storms today and it's been sooooo cold, brrrrrr! Quite a shock after our warm spell last week. I'm so ready for some warmer weather. I'm quite jealous of our son in Boise, where it's in the high 70's every day. Their summers are very hot - often over 100 deg. He's got a nice community pool (and gym) in his development that opens on Memorial Day. Hmmm, I think I'll be visiting often. Thanks for your offer for me to come down and do your yard work. I'll get back to you when I've pulled my last weed here (i.e. probably never). I think we have the world's largest dandelions - some of them bigger than dinner plates. Too bad they don't have competitions for them! I'm glad you got to see your DGS. I bet he's a cutie.

My yoga class was canceled last Tuesday because not enough people signed up, so I'll be going to the early morning class tomorrow instead. The meeting went well yesterday and I didn't overdo it. I did have a tiny piece of pineapple upside-down cake, only because I haven't had any since the 70's when they were very popular!

Judy you are showing a comfort level now with your workouts good for you. At the gym most of the time I think folks are there to do what they need to do and get out not time to chat etc. So it sounds great congrats on your accomplishment its a big one.
Marie keep the possible white stuff I am all done here! My spring flowers are beautiful and the birds are chirping. This weather makes me healthier just with having more energy. I need to get on the treadmill to. Now my company is leaving today. I have enjoyed them but I am a bit used to doing my own thing and I have been cooking straight for a week and a half one night out. So tonigh I am having a me evening, shopping for the shower stuff etc. No real time limit if you know what I mean. I have finally caught up at work. The notes from last month were wild so many medical things to add, behaviors, meetings etc. With my being out of work sick, conference it added up quickly. My coworker has been nice lately lots of personal stuff going on. I do feel bad for her but won't let her know my guard is up and watching for the snake is in full swing. Hah hah! I think the boss has a handle on it all something lightly was said that made me know that. Good! Girls I hope you enjoy the dressing I am hooked other than my own Italian dressing. This one didn't have corn syrup. Penny some day I am going to give the yoga a whirl. I never have done it and sounds so good. The health info. I just rec'd said its very good for stress and reducing that reduces chronic illness. That is so wonderful and a friend whom goes to a pain doc. just recommended it for her as well. Off to make breakfast and a spinach, feta, tom, chicken salad for lunch. I made lots of chicken breast on the grill and have enjoyed having it for lunch time. Oh by the way Barilla Plus Pasta angel hair was very good. This was healthier than the reg. so I had a little with sauce, ck the other day. I had read it in a mag. that it was one of the better flavored ones for wheat. Nikki hope your doing well. Won't be long and you will be all done with school. Any job prospects yet? Our paper had quite a few openings for teachers or are you going for the masters I forget? More Charter schools opening here too. I am not sure I am in favor of them?

Marie - I have not started applying yet because there is a hold up on my licese at the state level.Once I get that straightened outI will apply. 9 days left of this darn thesis

I ate pretty well yesterday even though I added more carbs in. I passed up on the ice cream go me. I just had sausage, a pudding I was craving something chocolately and coffee lots of it . I was on ythe run I know I should have eaten more. Today it looks like I am down a bit go figure. I can't wait to see how well I do this week.

Nikki

Carol, I'm that you can go back to your usual routines now. It's nice to have company, but it's nice when they go home, too, no matter how much you love 'em.

Penny, I've always loved Jeopardy. It comes on here at 7:30, and it's one of those things can helps me leave work in a timely fashion....I was really into it when Ken Jennings was on his amazing run. I think Alex was sick of having to chitchat with the same "champion" so many weeks in a row!

Nikki, I hope you're having a great day! I ate the ice cream you passed up It was "31-cent" day for charity at Baskin-Robbins, and the weather was so beautiful...well, I go for months without ice cream, so it wasn't the worse slip up in the world, but it set me off on a carb binge later on in the evening, so it was a reminder of how some choices affect more than that moment (or those calories).

Marie, hang in there with the DS, and things will get better. I'm glad you got to see the little one. And re the server: maybe it's a Wobbly or an old school Communist, since May Day is the original Labor Day and is a day off in other parts of the world!

I'm okay, although my ears are still plugged up . I will leave work at a reasonable hour this evening, so I can work out in the fitness center--although I would have to miss Jeopardy! But I've decided to get a DVR from the cable company, so that wont be an excuse to loaf in the future.

judy

For me it's weekend!!! YEAH!!! The last two days have been very busy at work - okay the last 3. Anyway, I like thinking that the obnoxious server is a commie, Judy. That's just awesome. I have 4 days off but I have some work to do. The joy of being good at what you do - right ladies - you all understand that one. Sometimes I wish I was incompetent then nobody would dump more on me.

Tomorrow is weigh in but I'm not really thinking of a loss ubt if it happens I'd take it. But my expectations are low. I did 2 miles on the treadmill this morning (again) and did the .6 mile jogging all together. I was doing the .5 but on May 1 I added the .1 for the month but I did it with a brief walking interval, but today I did it continuously. I thought that was good.

Tomorrow DS2 and I are going over the mountain - probably way slower than this week since the pass is above the snow level predicted for tonight. But I got $40 Kohl's cash last week so I want to use it before it expires on Saturday. I figure it'll pay for one of the wedding presents for the two weddings in a month.

Judy, good choice on the DVR. I love ours. I detest commercials and never watch anything live anymore. You'll really like it. Then there's the added benefit of no excuse to exercise. BTW, I used to love Jeopardy too. I really was bummed when Ken lost. That was quite amazing - I'm definitely not that smart.

Penny, I'm pretty sure I've never seen a dinner plate sized dandelion. I bet getting all of its root would be a lot of work. I'm hoping the snow will kill the weeds and leave my flowers alone. Wishful thinking huh?

Carol, I think you're wise to watch your back. The snake might be nice for the moment but you know it won't last. I hope you enjoy your much deserved quieter home. I agree with Judy that company is nice but when they leave it's a relief.

Nikki, you're in the single digits of the thesis countdown. That's pretty cool. You're almost there. And you passed the test so you'll be able to start applying for those jobs soon. I couldn't miss the ice cream too often. I'm pretty sure it's why I've been successful in losing weight this year. I have a small IC cone about 98% of the time - in the evenings as my treat for being good.

Well, that's it. Chat with you tomorrow.
Marie

Yah Judy except they stayed one more day leaving today. But it worked out fine he did a few extras for his brother and wanted too help. I think he is a sweet guy with a heart of gold and likes to be helpful to others in need. I still went about my own business last night got the groceries to help the girls with the shower etc. It is hard when some of the bridesmaids are out of state. But I don't mind at all helping. My stress level was up last night and I ate all the wrong things but will be better today and saturday on plan. But not sunday at all. I feel good lately and thats important and my clothes are fitting better. I agree that some foods surely send us into a carb swing Judy. Isn't it crazy but so true. If we figure out exactly which ones we can at least have a bit of control. Nikki good for you power girl! Penny I have tried to get rid of them in my yard the root is usually around 8-10 inches long. Sometimes I think why bother as if I did them all I would have no yard make some wine with them. Oh wine I also had some of that last night with the girl friends we lost power my friends hubby dropped a tree on the wires dum fool! So we sat in candle light and enjoyed a few glasses together with my company too. Nice ending to a day of stress and rush. Marie the snake is calm right now but ready to spring into action when she wants. The thing is the more your around a snake you pick up on its habits and can have a clearer picture of things. The upper hands also are more aware and that helps so much just to know that. I am sure my 3 page letter was kept on file in case I had future issue with the snake. Little does she know that it exists at all but I am sure its somewhere safe as the supervisor and director was given a copy. She pushed her prey a bit to far that time. Well have a great day and good luck on the scale girls. The sun is shining and its going to be a lovely day!

Hi ladies-

I am up to my eyeballs in data so I just want to pop in and say hi. Monday or Tuesday the absolute latest this will all be over I am enjoying eating mre carbs. However, my stomach does not like them. I think I see another pound loss since Wed. I won't record anything though until next Wed.

Have a great weekend.

Nikki

I was really dreading this week, but it's over now and wasn't so bad after all, despite having to deal with auditors and dentists . Our office is very casual and flexible, but we work very hard and focus on getting things done. But I have been so busy these past few months that I haven't paid enough attention to the new folks I hired last fall, and now I have to gently break them of some sloppy habits before it's too late. I am bossy by nature (big-sister type), but I don't enjoy being anyone's official supervisor. So I have had to be less of a pal and more of a boss lately. I will need to be more consistent going forward...heavy lies the head that wears the crown

Marie, I have to confess that I smile when ever you have to "go over the mountain." I picture you with a backpack and a tall walking stick, maybe trailed by hobbits or dwarves . My old apartment was over a small shopping mall, so I would say that I was going "down the elevator" to shop.

Carol, your evening sounded so sweet, wine by candlelight! I hope you have a great weekend.

Go, Nikki, go, Nikki, go, Nikki!

Penny, hope you are doing well today.

I didn't work out yesterday, my knees are aching a bit, so I took the day off, but will go to Curves and do separate cardio today. Hey, I think I figured out how to purl last night! It was quite exciting. I also understand why I sometimes have too many stitches. Maybe I can try to make something small now. I have pattern for a bookmark, how hard can that be?

judy

Oh Judy, that was a funny image - I'll take the hobbits - then they can carry all my treasures back into the house. I spent loads again but Costco had pool shock, first time I've ever seen it there and instead of 3.79/pound it was about 2.00/pound. I loaded up for the entire season.

The sun is starting to come back out - I did wake to snow on the trees and ground. I took a picture of my pool since there was snow all around it and I swam in it 5 days ago!!! But it'll start heating back up tomorrow and maybe by Monday it'll be warm enough to swim in. DH are thinking of going to Crater Lake tomorrow to go snowshoeing. It hsould be a nice day.

Carol, wine by candlelight sounds very de-stressing. Perhaps you should have Nikki join you since she's stressed about the data crunching.

I exercise like usual this am, but I've been a bad girl on the eating front. I'd say I'm up to about 1400 cals so far - before dinner. But since my stomach's mad at the food/choices I think calorie wise I'll be okay. It's sort of nauseous. Oops.

Judy, go fro the bookmark - the beauty of that is that most of it will be hidden in the book if you goof it up!!!

Carol, I'm glad you got your behind covered with the snake. It's sad when we have to do it.

Nikki, you're doing great on the weight loss. Keep at it and soon the data will be done and so will school.

Hi there Penny!!!

Marie

Carol - I'll have to try some of that Barilla Angel Hair pasta. Being thinner than regular pasta, it's probably a bit less calories. I usually mix in lots of veggies to "stretch" the serving. I'm glad "the snake" is calm for now - you must have "charmed" it! My dad used to make dandelion wine - he'd have a ball here we've got millions of them! Dandelion greens are supposed to be good for your liver.

Nikki - I hope your pound loss stays off for your weigh in. It's funny how our bodies react when they haven't had carbs for a while - I had the same thing when I did Atkins. I still try not to eat many "white" carbs. I hope your thesis goes well. You'll be soooo glad when it's over. Our son had a hard time with his senior project (kind of like a thesis in engineering) but now it's all over and it was worth it.

Marie - I hear you with being "too" competent! It ends up with you being the "go to" person. I've decided I'm going to start playing dumb in certain situations. I end up getting involved in too many projects and have to learn than nobody is indispensable. I think it has something to do with my rather chaotic upbringing that I want everything to go smooth and nobody getting upset. Hope you had a good time going "over the mountain"!

Judy - I bet you're saying "TGIF"! Being a supervisor must be very difficult. I have a hard time delegating and also would have a hard time keeping the necessary distance with those under my supervision. I don't think it's possible to be pal and a boss at the same time - it's hard to know where to draw the line. Luckily, I've always worked pretty much independently. I hope your crown isn't too heavy! I had to laugh about your mental picture of Marie going over the mountain followed by hobbits and dwarves!

I got a bit of a shock this morning when I weighed in UP 2.5 lbs.! I've been watching my calories very carefully, so can only hope it's water weight. I realized I've been on this plateau (up and down a pound or so) for about six months. Maybe this is where my body wants to stay. I sure hope not, though, as I'd like to lose at least another 20 lbs. I get so frustrated sometimes, although I feel so much better than I did a couple of years ago. So I just have to keep thinking positive.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Well girls the shower is today. I am a bit stressed but it will all be okay. My girl friends weren't as helpful as normal somethings came up. But thats okay cause thats how life is. The bridesmaids being out of towners was a bit stressful too. But my daughters came over and pitched in and it will all work out nicely I am sure. I enjoy cooking but not under the gun! I am not truely happy with my rice dish and still am thinking of redoing it. Oh how crazy is that. But want things to be right. Well I gotta go now and wrap up her gifts.
Talk to you later after things calm down. Maybe having some wine and candlelight tonight might be a good idea. Been up since five but my nails and toes are looking good! Bought some good stuff to get them in shape.

Morning everyone!!! Judy, I went over a different mountain yesterday to go snowshoeing at Crater Lake and I looked, no dwarfs or hobbits. I was a bit bored driving. But the snowshoeing was just wonderful. Today is supposed to be sunny in the mid 70s - tomorrow even warmer. Perhaps tomorrow I'll get to swim again.

I've been bad on the ating front. Munch, munch, munch. Not too like me but I am fine with it as long as I weigh in on Tuesday and face the consequences. I'll probably get back on track quickly but for the moment I'm not too worried. Overall about 2000 cals per day.

Carol, enjoy the shower and don't worry about the rice dish - no one will notice if it's not perfection - they'll be enjoying the party.

Penny, don't give up on the plateau - shake up the exercise a bit - that's the best cure for plateaus. Keep aiming for your goal.

Marie

I'm enjoying a productive weekend. I went out with a buddy Friday night and drank margaritas . But since then I've been in a cleaning mood, at home and at work. Saturday morning the cable guy brought my new HD receiver and DVR, and hooked up my new DVD player while he was at it. After he left, I watched the movie "Cars" with my mouth agape, the picture was so stunning (the movie wasn't all that hot otherwise). So I'm practicing recording shows, and figured out this morning how to watch my beloved workout videos again. I've also been purging my closet of clothes I just don't--or shouldn't--wear, and today I'm doing some filing at the office for a few hours.

Carol, I hope you're having fun at the shower! People come for the celebration and the company, but when I'm a hostess, I'm too focused on refreshments to enjoy the people, and don't relax until the near the end of the event . You seemed like a prctices hostess, though, I'm sure everyone will have a wonderful time.

Marie, you seem to be taking the snow in stride, literally. I wouldn't be snowshoeing, I'd be sulking, but maybe this is the norm in you part of the world. It's breezy and just under 70 here, and people are complaining about the cold.

Penny, don't despair! I know that if you keep trying "plateau busters" to shake up your diet or exercise, something will catch your fat cells off guard and you will start losing again. I have lost some inches since the beginning of the year, but not many pounds. But I can't blame that on a plateau, it's strictly how well I have (or haven't) dealt with various challenges. Tuesday I will seeing the doctor who helped me figure out the gluten problem. I was hoping to be able to have lost several pounds since the winter, but what I've learned since hooking up with the 'healthy weight' program last fall has helped me be lighter and feel better than I have in several years, so it's all good.

Nikki, it's almost over. Hope you've managed to wrestle all that nasty data to the ground!

Okay, back to chores....