[little chick]

Morning chicks I am up before the sun for a change and I thought that I would take advantage of the quiet and get in here early and start us off. I can't seem to get two minutes to get in here on a regular basis. I will say that my disposition has changed I am in a much better mood since I have started taking my stress vitiams and my primrose oil. My family also is much happier I took someones advice about getting dd up earlier and it seems to be working so far no fights. Yesterday was out and about all day enjoying my free time til the afterschool kids came. My girlfriend and I went 2nd hand clothes shopping got 3 skirts and 3 blazer type jackets for 27 bucks I was very happy except for the size thing but I am hoping that will make me get back OP. I wish I could take a pill that makes me want to eat healthy and exercise. But I have decided that it is mind over matter and I need to work on that part. I also got a call back for a 2nd interview for a clothing store I go thursday morning for that. Although I already have one job at a call center that starts Nov 1 I would much rather have this one. It is for Manger trainee so we will just see how is goes. I am refusing to stress over it.

Well chicks I must get going and get the family moving I will pop in again later. Thanks for listening this morning I guess this post was "All about me" so I am sending out big hugs and prayers to all of ya chicks and a big Thank you for always being there when I need you.

[ellis]

Little Chick, it sounds like you're doing much better. I'm so glad, sweetie.
Good luck with the interview on Thursday! It sounds promising.

I'm going out for breakfast with a friend this morning.
DH has the day off, and will be doing some kitchen renovating. There's some awful insulation crap in the ceiling, and it's making a heck of a mess when we (okay, he) pull it down. I've temporarily given up on the dust.
Strange... I went to bed with a wicked cold last night, and it seems to be gone.
Little DS played his first game of ice hockey last night. It was only his second time skating, and he did really well. I never thought I'd be a "hockey Mom". Next time I go, I'm taking a thermos of soup, a sleeping bag, a balaclava (sp?), and several down duvets. It was friggin' FREEZING in that arena!

[Kryss]

Morning all. I am up early today myself. I hate waking up when it's still dark out. I'm kind of in a blue mood today. I think it's just because I've been sick and not able to get out and do everything I want/need to do. That and the coming winter is always a bit daunting to me. I always get a touch of the "Winter Blues," so this year, I am thinking I will get some full spectrum light bulbs and try that out.

Good luck with your interview Little Chick!

Have fun at breakfast Ellis. Ice hockey is one of the few sports I actually enjoy watching. I am with you... pile on the blankets, get the hot liquids and stay warm!!

[Mamacita]

Good morning, Chicks~~

Little Chick, good luck on the interview! If this is "the job" I'll keep toes crossed that you get it.

Ellis, do you think your "cold" might be a reaction to all the dust from the insulation? Glad your DS did well in his first game, but yeah, sounds like you need something to keep you warm. Frozen buns are NOT fun!!

I seem to be suffering from a suppressed immune system right now. I've got the beginnings of what seems to be a nasty cold, myself. Started yesterday as a sort of tickle/itch in my nose. By bedtime I could hardly breathe. Spent the whole night up and down getting sips of water and snorting saline spray. Ugh! Today I'll bump up the vitamins and glug the water. Hopefully I can short circuit it. But I probably should stay home tonight instead of inflicting myself on my knitting buddies.

We're out of eggs and I'm panicking over what to do about lunch. Probably cheese, cottage cheese and tuna salad. Yay.

Hope you all have a great day on the Beach!

Mamacita

[Heidi]

Hi everybody, What a crisp day it is today. I'm beginning to notice the shortened days, with dark mornings and early nights.

Kryss, I get the winter blues too. The light therapy does help a bit, but you need to be consistent about the time and duration for it to work. Hope it helps you.

Ellis, your kitchen renovation sounds like a HUGE project! Are you doing all your cooking in a microwave? Or are there parts of the kitchen that are usable?

Little Chick, glad your mood has lifted. Maybe when your job situation is sorted out you will find your focus again. You've done so well! Good luck on Thursday.

I'm meeting a friend for coffee today, then running a bunch of errands. Nothing special. I had a bunch of extended family commitments over the weekend but managed to stay on plan. Looks like half the family will be hiking over to South Beach since that was a main topic of conversation.

Well, better get the crew off to work/school and then walk the dog.

Great days to everyone. It's a wonderful time of year to spot migrating birds - anyone else fascinated by these?

[cac]

Hi everyone.

I have been lurking recently with no time to write. I loss 4 lb in September. I am down to 209! I plan on beeing real OP in October and loss 10 lbs. I so want to be under 200!

cac

[Ruthxxx]

Dogless in Delta! That could be a movie! Never mind, I think Lucy will be back before Hallowe'en. I didn't get in to see her pups yesterday as I got involved in a pumpkin harvest. Those suckers are heavy but the exercise felt good! We had a hard frost last night so it's good my friend was able to get them indoors or under cover. Susie and her husband run The Farm where I go for eggs, berries, veggies and corn. Yesterday's eggs were free!

Littel Chick, I'm glad you are feeling better about yourself and life in general. The Thursday interview sounds promising.

Mamacita, do you do echinacea? I find three weeks or so of it really helps ward off the crap you seem to be getting. Those spider bites really screwed you up, didn't they?

Ellis, I envy you your trip up into the hills. The leaves must be gorgeous about now. Let's hope your DH get's the worst of the tearing out done while you are gone.

Heidi, we had a hard frost here last night but you "southerners" probably escaped it. We've had several flocks of geese the past few days - they know what's coming.

Kryss, I get SAD too in the winter. Last winter I started with my light therapy every morning for about 30 minutes and I think it really worked. Worth a try anyhow.

Cac, nice to see you posting again and for the four pounds off in September.

My friend Rob is coming over this morning to install a door handle and lock - Harry screwed it up trying to "fix" it. Poor guy! It made me realize how much he has lost it since a year ago. I am also going to get set up for using the woodstove again because it sure was nippy in that back room this morning!

Time for another coffee. Have a great day!

[Kiko]

Good morning chicks!

Gloomy, overcast day here in Dallas. Yesterday was pretty much the same way. Hopefully it will clear up by mid-week so I get DD outside to play! We are broke this week, so anything we do needs to be free. $$$$

Sweet Tooth If you are lurking, we are all thinking of you! Give us an update if you are up to it!!

LC Good luck on the job interview. Like Mama said, if it is the right one it will work out.

Ellis Your renovations sound interesting! We have so many things we want to do to our house, but lack the funds and the initiative!!

Kryss One good thing about living in the south is that winter isn't really winter. We get enough sunshine down here that it is never too "blue". My husband gets down and cranky when there are a string of gloomy days.

Ruth Hope you are doing okay without your pups!

Things are good here! Got an excellent night's sleep after the not-so-good night in the tent and storm. Did get woken by DD- I forgot to put a pull-up on her before bed, so she wet her bed. Quick clean up, then back to sleep for the night.

I made chili for dinner last night, perfect considering the weather here. I also made a batch of Barb's muffins. I did a banana-walnut variation. If you haven't made these yet, you MUST! They are super good and easy.

Back for more later, need to fill my coffee cup!

[GoldieFun]

Good morning chickadees! (I actually did stop at the coffee shop this morning and treated myself to a tasty skim milk latte with SF white chocolate syrup -- YUM!) Why did I treat myself do you ask? Because I lost THREE POUNDS this week!!! After not losing anything last week, I was happy to see those three go away forever this week -- woo hoo! That makes 16 pounds GONE in my first four weeks of the SBD. And just the fact that I've stuck with this for a full month is something to celebrate in it's own right! Woo hoo! So, needless to say I am celebrating today! Wearing my cutest new, pink fall sweater, having lunch with a friend and walking with DH tonight. I think I'll even pick up some fresh fish to grill tonight! OK, enough with my mini-party.

Little chick -- Glad to hear things are going better.

Ellis -- How old is little DS? How cute -- little league hockey!

Kryss -- I have noticed it's getting harder and harder to drag myself out of bed. Things should improve a bit after daylight savings, right?

Mama -- I am getting sick of tuna as well! Time for the grocery store! Ha!

Heidi -- I wish I knew more about birds. As I am always saying here I need to take more time to stop and smell the coffee. Life and work are always so busy, though!

Cac -- Congrats on the loss!

Ruth -- Free eggs?! In order to get rid of them? That's nice!! It even got down to the 40s here last night.

Hope everyone has a great day!!

lauren

[beachgal]

Ah, LC, we are always here for you and more than willing to hear all about what is going on with you! I'm so glad that the vits and oil are helping! Sounds like you are making some good, positive, changes in your life! Enjoy those outfits...I know that motivation can only come from you and what you really are ready to do. You can do this, whenever you decide you want to! Best of luck on that interview!!!

Ellis, when I first read your post, I thought, "Mmmm, baklava! " I don't think that would keep you warm, but it sure is tasty! I know...ice rinks are abominably cold! I still remember my poor grandmother covered in about 25 sweaters, sitting there and determined to watch me ice skate! Good for DS! Glad your cold is gone...weird, though! Yay for DH getting some of the reno stuff out of the way! He's a doll! Enjoy your breakfast!

Hi, Kryss! Sorry for the sad morning. Here's some sun for you: : I get SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) too, especially now that I live so far north (not as far as Ruth and Ellis, but...). I have those full spectrum bulbs all over my house, and they really help. As does taking your vitamins, and soaking up as much sun as you can get. Take gentle care of yourself, okay?

Mama, so sorry you aren't feeling well! Wanna be my cold buddy? You could teach me how to knit, and we can sneeze our way through the process! Seriously, I hope you feel much better soon!

Heidi, those birds are wonderful! Unfortunately, most of ours left two months ago because our seasons were all messed up. We actually have some forsythia (sp?) and rhododendrons blooming right now! I love the crisp days, but this morning was CHIL-LAY! 38 degrees F!!! Brrrrrrr....

cac, there is a dry cleaning place near me that has your name, and I think of you when I pass it. You've been missed, but I hear you on being busy! CONGRATULATIONS on the 4 lbs!!! You are SO close to ONEderland!!!

Ah, puppies for Halloween! Ruth, when is your Thanksgiving? Isn't it somewhere in October? What a lot you have to be thankful for...many, many puppies, and a healed knee! I'm so sorry that Harry has not been doing as well. Still, I bet he is doing better with you and your great care than he would elsewhere. You are a true blessing...may we all have a mate as loving and caring as you! Glad Rob can help with the lock. DH recently fixed one of our ours by pulling out a strange wire and saying, "It works now!". I asked what the wire was for and he said, "Who knows?" and tossed it. Men!

Me:
I'm still battling this darn cold/sinus infection. URRRGH! I talked with my doc's nurse and she wants me to come in this afternoon to talk with the doc about the itchy exercising. I hate having to drive down there to ask a question, but I guess that's how it is. I have Jazzercise at the school today, and I think I'll bring some Claritin to school with me to take before unless the doctor tells me differently. Wish me luck...I haven't Jazzercised in over a month, and I know I'm out of shape!

Measured myself over the weekend, and have found that I've lost 21.75 inches since my first measurement in June! I have lost 6.75" in my waist alone! That's a good thing. The scale bounced back down a pound or so this morning, so I feel a bit better, but I still would like to know what caused yesterday's upswing.

Made the Chicken Vegetable Chowder recipe from the SBD Cookbook last night...very tasty, especially with cheese! Tried making garlic toast with WW rolls, and found that I need to use more garlic. I guess the ww has enough flavor of its own to overpower the garlic. That's okay...I love garlic!

One of my best girlfriends, Ange, is pregnant. She is 25 weeks along, and has been put on bedrest because of her rising blood pressure. Ange has a rare kidney disease, and because of this, they are not sure they can get the baby even as far as 28 weeks before they have to deliver or risk kidney failure. Can you keep her and her baby boy-to-be in your prayers? I'm so very worried for her. I'm heading out to CA for her baby shower this weekend and cannot wait to see her though I'm so very worried, too. Thanks, chicks!

[anchor weight]

Good morning everyone!

Everyone sounds so chipper this morning. We too had a hard frost last night. We are going to get pumpkins this weekend. I want to make a pumpkin totem pole this year. I say that every year - carve two pumpkins and call it quits

My DS decided that he was sick this morning and wasn't going to school - until he realized that it was someones birthday and he would miss cake. Amazing recovery So we were running around trying to get him ready for school in 30 minutes.

MMMM fresh farm eggs sound good! I tried the hard boiled eggs with tuna last night and they were terrific, DS ate 3 of them. I also tried the marinated grilled tempeh - that was not something I enjoyed it went into the trash. Last weekend I made the artichoke heart augratin and that was a hit. So two out of three aren't bad. I made chili too! Must be chili weather.

Hope everyone has a great beach day!

[beachgal]

Hi, Karen and Lauren! We posted at the same time (aka I'm so long winded.... ) Karen, you are such a sweetheart! Peggy, we are all definitely thinking of you!

Karen, your dinner sounds delicious! I'm going to have to try those muffins!!!

Lauren, CONGRATULATIONS!!! That latte sounds amazing! I love all the healthy ways you are celebrating! I know what you mean...I think the fact that I have stayed on a plan this long is amazing! Yay for you!!!

[GoldieFun]

Laurie -- I noticed that we are both at right about the same weight. And since we are both getting healthy for future little ones, can I ask you a question? And you can tell me if it's too personal. Do you have a goal weight in mind before you'll start to TTC?

Amy -- that's funny about your DS! Ha!

Lauren

[Bamiegurl]

Oh my gosh what a chatty bunch of chicks we are this morning!
Probably cannot post to all as I have a whine bucket on my hands this morning! Oh the joys of a 3 year old! I am to old for this! It makes me appreciate my sometimes can get it themselves teenagers!
Anchor... If I had a dollar for everyday my ds was "sick" I would be a rich woman! Since he started HS this year he has only been sick one time I sent him anyway thinkin yea right I had to go get him he really was! but after all the years of I'm "sick"! Must be a lot of hot chicks at school cause he does not seem to mind going now!
Beachgal... Sent out your prayer request to my email buds. I'm praying for His will to be done!
Goldie...Way to go girl! I also am down 3 this week but would not really believe it until it was still gone this morning!
Kiko... I know all about if ain't free it ain't for me! I did manage to squeeze a lil out of DH to take the girls to the pumpkin patch today! Which does not open to the public til 2 and they are already when are we going!
Ruth... I'll be watchin the silver screen for your movie! Sounds like you are as busy as ever! You are like the mail nothing stops you!
cac... Glad to see ya back and congrats on your loss!
Heidi... They should start giving us recruiting fees! Coffee with a friend! I miss that the most since I moved. I enjoyed being able to call someone up and say hey ya wanna have lunch today? I have yet to make those kind of friends here.
Mama... You have had a rough go of it these past weeks! Prayers still goin your way to a full better than before recovery from all of this!
Kryss... Hum... winter blues. Yes I love the fall but the winter brings out the blue in me as well! I'm just glad we do not have 3 feet of snow to go with it!
Ellis... Maybe you should post his name so we can all say we knew him when! Sounds like DH is moving right along! I dread the day we start to rip ours out! Sometimes DH thinks he can do things that would be better off left to the pros!
LC... Well maybe I need to get some of what you are taking. I know my biggest thing last week was tOM came way early but somedays I just need the edge knocked off before I knock someones off!
OK as loooong as this took I'm sure several more chicks have pecked in but when you have to deal with fighting sisters in the middle of it! What I was thinking! Two at once I think they need to have seperate visits!

[Barb0522]

Good morning, everyone! It was foggy this morning and is still overcast but nothing like the 4 inches of rain yesterday. I'm up a pound this morning but I've stayed OP so I'm not going to worry about it. I got in a good bike ride at the gym yesterday but tonight is our cub scout den meeting and tomorrow I have a three hour cub scout leader training session so I'm not going to be able to exercise for a few days. I am sure I'll get plenty of exercise this weekend climbing all over the air craft carrier.