Morning Everyone,

Long time, no post. I've been so cranky and stressed and demotivated as of late, I've just kept away. I think for the first time since I came back last fall, I wasn't even reading everyone's posts. But hopefully I can change/shake those attitudes and start to feel better.

The big contributor to my crankiness/stress is - of course - work. Shocking, I'm sure. *sarcasm* It's so annoying when everything needs to get done last minute and people get especially excited when you tell them that you're going to be unavailable for a week while you take some vacation. The end result is that I've been going flat out for the last week and a half trying to meet some arbitrary deadline before I take my downtime. (I'm sure I've read a post similar to this by Holly. I'm so glad that I know I'm not alone out there. ) I think what annoys me the most about all of this is the fact that when I get back, I'm sure that 1) the supporting work won't have been done and 2) they will have "unforseen" (in my opinion, they aren't unforseen....just unplanned) changes/enhancements. Oh well. It pays the bills and puts a roof over my head. Can't ask for much more, can I?


What am I supposed to be talking about here? Oh RIGHT! Weight Loss. Maybe I'm avoiding this topic because I don't wanna talk about it. I'm back up to my starting weight (not a huge stretch since I never lost much) since I've been doing a lot of stress eating these past couple of weeks and skipping lunch (NOT normal for me.) because I'm so busy that I forget to eat.

I have, however, walked my lunch hour 4 km (2.5 miles) for 9 of the last 10 days (outside, not on the shiny new treadmill). It's a sign that the weather is getting better, though I might have to put in my time on the treadmill today because we just got a cold snap (-14C (7F) with the windchill right now).

One last note before I sign off: After a 3-4 week or so break, the DW and I had our second Salsa Dance class. There were a total of 3 couples there this time and one of the other couples is as new to this as we are. (I think that the 3rd couple may have done the beginner's course before and are taking it again.) Anyway, I get SO stressed out because of it because I hate making mistakes... (I don't know how/why I get it in my head that I'm supposed to be perfect the first time I do ANYTHING. Oh well - it does make trying something new a very unpleasant experience. ) The other couples look so relaxed - one because they've done it before, the other because they didn't care. I'll get there, eventually, but with my additional stress from work....well, I suffered through it without wreaking anyone's toes AND without a total mental breakdown. Even worked up a bit of a sweat....I'm not sure if that's a comment on the temperature of the room OR how badly I'm out of shape. (It certainly had nothing to do with how 'hot' the salsa dance was. I think we had the movements of a wounded gazelle crossed with the Frankenstein monster. )

Anyway, my beautiful ladies...I'll try and keep posting more frequently. 's to all the people having challenges, 's to all the people who've had big successes, and 's to all the new folks out there.

Stay strong, stay focused, and stay happy.

:Lawrence
The Rooster In The Hen House

hey there rooster...weclome back. Hang in there...try not to worry so much about being a perfectionist. But glad to hear you have gotten some walking it...i always prefer an outdoor walk any day to a boring treadmill. Good luck and hang in there buddy.

Hey there to everyone else. Nothing really exciting...just thought i'd say hi before making my espresso and jotting off to work. Bye all...time to go help reduce the county's overpopulation by spaying and neutering a few animals. SEE YA!

Mornin' everyone! Well, I'm back to the ole' exhaustion! I crashed @ 6:30 pm last night and was out until this morning....unbelievable! Come here you unproductive thyroid, mama's got somethin' to give ya: !!! Really, I'm very frustrated. How the heck am I ever going to get back into the gym to lift if I continue to be dead tired???

GG: The honeymoon is over, I'm afraid.....I am sitting here with a cup of Butterfinger flavored latte, a bottle of water mixed with lemon juice, a protein drink AND...yes....a TWO LITER OF DEW BABY! It was either I grab for that or I grab for a five foot boat full of chili cheese fries with a side of onion rings....so I guess the buffet of fluids is a little better eh? Oh I'm sooo jealous about the gorgeous weather and the walks outside! Good for you! Yeah too on getting your baby all hosed down and groomed and smelling fresh (ok, well maybe not that last part).

Rooster: Woooohoooo, you are still around! I always smile inspite of everything when I read your posts! I agree w/GG....easier said than done....but try not to be so meticulous. On the other hand, I'm exactly the same way...I'm leaving for vaca in about 2 weeks and I will NOT be pleased with what I'll come back to! Normally I get everything done ahead of time so the girl covering for me won't have to do it (actually, so she won't mess up my flow). However, I am so tired of covering for her that this time I'm trying a different approach-I'm letting everything come in as it will and I'm not preparing anything ahead of time. Sink or swim time baby! I know that sounds totally cruel and heartless (especially when I'm normally so bubbly), but it's not. Everyone needs to bring their own responsibilities to the table. It is frustrating, but you can really only be held accountable for you-even though it sounds like you might feel the lack of work ethic around you reflects directly upon you. Ok....I've just totally babbled around the subject, but I'm basically trying to also say: Hang in there Lawrence. I struggle with the same desire to will my coworkers to elevate to the high level I've set for myself. I wish I had the magic solution, but I can only offer support.
Oh, and BRAVO to you for getting out there and shakin' your groove thang w/the salsa! How fun is that! Quit being so darn hard on yourself!!!

Lisa: I just don't even know where to begin. What an incredible woman you are! The dedication you are showing to your grandparents is so commendable. I love how you so graciously tackle even the things that seem so demeaning, but yet are sooo touching (i.e. changing pads/helping gram w/her undies). Most days I think "Yeah, I've made a difference in some lives." But you-you're making a difference every minute of every day to your family. You leave me speechless. Have a safe drive today w/gramps!

Kerri: There were so many posts yesterday that I'm hoping I didn't dream this-didn't you color your hair? How'd that go? I do my own hair now for the same reason-to save the money! I've tried about every brand out there, so if you ever need some opinions, I can help out in that department!

Has anyone heard from RR this week? Lauren-feeling any better???? Karen K.-is Alex riding a harley yet?

ALL FELLOW NEWBIES:

Ok I'll check back later, have to get moving-2 new jury panels coming in today and they'll be here any second.... Melinda

Hey everyone~

The weather here is still bad. The winds are around 50 miles per hr. My inspection got cancelled due to the weather. I am in one of those blah moods today. Once I get rollin it will get better but I have been up since 4 so hopefully the rest of the day won't be this way. I splurged I had a cookie for breakfast, I went to get another and went "crud what are you doing". So I guess that was my weak moment. Haven't seen much of the husband in the last two weeks. They are working on a project he leaves @ 5 and doesn't get home until around 9 or after. Hopefully they are almost done.

GG: How is the coke thing going for you today? I am like you got to have the java! I have only had two diet cokes since Sunday my back feels better already. quick question my chihuahua got fixed and she has really gained weight is that normal? Instead of calling her grace her new nickname is chubby? Just thought I would ask. We have two vets here in Worland and they take care of 7 towns they are always busy. Hard to get ahold of. Have a great day!

mjoste: Maybe it will just take some time with your thyroid, I know every person is different but I have a good friend and her medicine took about a month before it kicked in for her everyday and hers was just like yours. Now you would never know she had it. Keep your chin up!!

Rooster: Salsa great workout and sounds fun!!!!!!!!!

Everyone have a great day and don't start out with a cookie like myself, Did you know for 7 M&M's you have to walk 2 miles. That is what the WW director told us last week.

Take care~

~sheila~

2 miles for 7 M&M's...i cant believe it...wow!...i would have never guessed...good morning everyone...i had a horrible eating day yesterday..i am trying to get back on track with eating however my meds make me not hungry...so everytime i eat i feel like i am forcing food down..so i hope this week all this will regulate and i will be able to eat again...i dont want a starvation diet....

busy day ahead for me...i need to remember to eat today...i have a medicare seminar ~yipee~ to go to today....5 hours of blah blah blah...but i need the units ( i am a medical biller and i need units cause i am certified)...so sitting in a conference room today....

have a great day to everyone....and happy exercising

Good morning friends! Well, yesterday was a disaster. My daughter didn’t make cheerleader. She cried, we all felt terrible for her. THEN…..we ate ice cream. I know, we shouldn’t have, but sometimes it just seems like the thing to do! Anyway, she has a very positive attitude and she will overcome! She is beautiful and smart and she will be OK. The “ice cream episode” was my first slip up since I’ve gotten back on track. I regret it of course, but I can’t go back and undo it, so I’m back on track today! I have GOT to get back to my exercising……

To all the new folks….HI!!! and Welcome!!

Lawrence: My first time hearing from you…..nice to meet you and don’t give up on yourself…..we all go thru the “valleys” but the top of the mountain is only a matter of putting one foot in front of the other….let’s just keep trying!!!

GG: Good job on the coke thing!!! I’m impressed!!!

Melinda: I’m SOOO sorry you are having a setback. Dang…it must be so frustrating for you! You hang in there gurl….don’t give up!!

Lisa: I cannot even put into words what I feel when I read your posts. You are amazing. It’s clear that you love your son very much and he is blessed to have you. I’m praying for you……

Sheila: It’s was only one cookie….good job with your willpower!!!! Keep up the good work!!!

There was so much going on with the posts yesterday and I apologize for not getting back to everyone……ya’ll are all such amazing people and I feel empowered just reading your posts. Hope you all have a good day!

Tina in Texas

Morning ladies & Rooster LOL
I have to say yesterday was the BEST day i have had in years YEARS i mean from begining to end nothing bad nothing i started with the 3 lbs down then to end the evening george got to call me for 2 mins to tell me HE PASSED THE HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM....... This from a boy who has had bi-polar adha all his life annual IEP's etc both me and my hubby are so proud of him i just had to share I CAN'T WAIT to go see him again
i'll check in later
Michelle
Back to the daily grind ~LOL

Good Thursday Everyone!!

The sun has finally made an arrival on the frozen prairie. I may be able to bring out my bike again this week. Woo hoo!
Zephyr: Nice job on staying the course with your walking and salsa!! I hope your levels of work stress drop.
GG: Have a great spay. Did you get that?? hmm? spay instead of day? Okay so not every Canadian has a great sense of humour.
707: I'm so happy for you! I love a red letter day whether for me or someone else!!
tdream: Never fret my dear about the ice cream. Yesterday is behind us now.
christina: yesss!! remember to eat!! ...You know that has never happened to me that I forget to eat...like never once in my life...Okay... Clearly I've made food a priority on all accounts.

Okay now I'm off track and pondering this idea of forgetting to eat. That's funny because once I changed my diet, added some whole grains and actual fruit and vegetables (not like froot loops and ketchup..LOL) I realized that it had been a long long time since I'd felt hungry. I mean I was always eating junk. I never allowed my body to feel the slightest bit hungry. If anything it was mostly uncomfortably full most of the time. Weird.

Today starts the triathalon training program. They should name it something different because it makes us sound like we know what we're doing and actual athletes. Something like Gentle Triathalon for Beginners. Yes that sounds more appropriate. Anyways we start today with a run and Sunday with a swim. Both a half an hour long. Not exactly an Ironman, but a start all the same...
Well I've got grade nines that are headed into me messy room, so everyone have a fabulous day!!
Tam

Tina: Hey babe, thanks for the hug! It helped. I'm feelin' a little more chipper and a little less frustrated (though I believe the dew helped too). See, I'm a bad girl too! But, you held out on us...like what kind of ice cream? Was it a HUGE gallon size cone or a banana split??? mmmmmmm (My head is spinning just thinking about the creamy delightful concoction that is ice cream).....mmmmmmm

Sheila: Oh little muffin, sorry the weather is still not cooperating! Ooooh...what kind of cookie? Was it the size of a large pizza? Mmmmm.... Also, thanks for the words of encouragement! I really hope you're right, that after I'm on the increased dosage for a spell that everything will fall in line. I'm just frustrated because I wanted to compete again in 2008 and I can't do that if I'm not in the gym training.

Tam: Triathalon! No way!!! That is friggin' cool! Do tell. Have you done this before? What do you do to train? Do you eat certain foods? Oh this is exciting everyone! We are sooo going to support you through this journey! Starting with a run and a swim-like how many miles to start and when do you increase that...wow do I have some questions. This is SOOOOOOOO COOL!

Michelle B: Was it just a baby chocolate donut or a real big one the size of a semi truck tire? Ok, I'm really pathetic living vicariously or (dangerously) through you ladies and your sugar snacks this week when I should be saying: NO, stop it. But ya see, how can I when I've been drinking mt. dew on the sly! I am sooooo keeping you in my thoughts for the job!!! I know you mentioned the position will be filled the end of next month, but when is the deadline to apply? Get your stuff together and GO FOR IT! Yeehaw!

Christina: Have you eaten yet? Should be on at least your second meal and hopefully a snack or two as well by now. WELL?????

Lauren: Laurennnnnnnn.....where are you????

Clover: Since you'll probably get this tonight: Have a good day!

Hanna: Dying to hear how things went yesterday...or were you not coming back until tomorrow? I can't remember. Nonetheless, want to know how the fun in the sun went for you & Sean!!!

Ok, back to work-I might still check back later. Otherwise, for sure 2morrow! Melinda

okay all...lunch break. lol at greeneggs...have a great spay! LOL good one..hey i like silly humor.
Well really right now i'm just waiting for the other doc to get back from lunch then i can go home. Today was a slow day. Only a few surgeries and drop off...got them all done. Unfortunately i did have a bad experience....i had to perform an emergency surgery on a 12 yr old dog...owners knew there was a huge risk. Well sugery went great...but dog couldn't recover from anesthesia...did cpr and all..but unfortunately the old man didn't make it. Sux...but i know we did everything possible. But to get away from the downer...i do now get to go out and enjoy a nice ride with my horse. Its pretty outside again. So i'll at least go use the sun to make me feel better.

mj...beat the tar out of your thyroid..maybe that will help LMAO...really though..hope the meds start helping more...its got to suck to always be exhausted.

Sheila - i'm doing great on the coke thing...4 days so far and really i haven't missed yet! totally amazed myself. I think its become a mind thing for me..i just decied the amount of cals it has just isn't worth it. As for you chihuahua...yes sometime they can get fat from a spay..but usually its because owners are over feeding it and not giving it enough exercise..what are you feeding? and how much exercise does it get?
christianaS - hang in there..hopefully you'll survive you med seminar. Also, don't beat yourself up too bad for one bad day...we all have those...just get right back on track
tdream - sorry about your daughter...but there will be other things.. and don't worry about one "slip" an occasional treat is good for you..keeps you from going nuts.
goddess - congreat on your son...woohoo
hmwkmom- like i've said to the other..don't beat yourself up for one bad treat. just get back on corse

btw greeneggs...i've always thought about a triathelon...that sounds like fun..even if it is a beginner version..i think i'd need the beginner version too.

ok guys...gonna run..bye!

Hello!
I am exhausted, Disneyland was packed, but fortunately the lines at the rides we did weren’t more than 30 mintues, Sean had a really good time, he had a couple of melt downs, and we got through them. He was upset he was not chosen to participate in the “Jedi academy” he has a hard time with the word NO. We did the Matterhorn ride 3 times. The first time we were on it I lost my Nike cap, it was so frustrating seeing it on the side of the “mountain” the other 2 times and not being able to retrieve it, I did leave my name number and address they said they do get everything people loose on the rides and wait for someone to claim it or if they have the info they just mail it out.
I was very bad a the end of the day, we sat down to eat dinner and I had a great salad, that was good, but then I had to make the mistake of eating desert, it was so good, I am embarrassed to say I eat it all! (apple caramel pie with pecans) But I did go to the gym before we left and we did walk all day. Does that count?
I got home and the dog were suppose to be behind a little baby gate in a hallway, NOT they got out and they got into sooo much trouble little , but I love them!

Today I got an email from support group I go to (parents of bipolar children) and one of the families is having a very difficult time, their son 15 yrs. Old is not doing good at all, he just came out of the hospital, they were trying to regulate him but this time the staff was not that great and they didn’t have a good experience this time, I guess he is a manic stage, so I am cooking dinner for them, so mom doesn’t have to worry about it tonight she has enough on her plate right now, when I talk to her she was in tears, it is very though.
Sean is doing OK today, I dropped him off at the boys and girls club before I went to the gym. I have not hear from them, so he must be doing OK, no trouble Thank G-d!

Lauren how are you filling, did you get the z pack? I did reboot the puter and did work, thanks!

Tina sorry your daughter didn’t make it.

got2losenow what day are you going to Disneyland next week, I think we are going back but we may be spending the night there instead of coming back like last night. We want to stay and watch “fantasmic” and we can only watch it if we stay overnight otherwise I have to drive home too late, I don’t like driving at night let alone past 10:00 PM

Melinda you are funny you are not noisy.

Sheila did you have the inspection yesterday? How did it go?

Mjuste, sorry I forgot to pack YOU! Are you Ok from the crash?

RXZephyr Don’t be cranky! How great you are Salsa dancing, that’s a lot of exercise isn’t it? I wish I could dance, I have no rhythm.


Lisa you are the best! How is your grandma doing?

I got to start cooking, I need to leave here by 3:00 PM I don’t want to be stuck in traffic!!!
Hanna

Hi All,

Just a quickie! Feeling slightly better. Tired and need a nap though. Had my 4 hr. job interview this AM. Went well. Have another interview Monday for another company. This one's only an hour. But the pay is much better, and they wear jeans.

I'll try and check in later. Again, I apologize for being a bit MIA! Love you guys!

Hey ya’ll!!!

Michelle: Congrats to your son! I know you must be way proud!

Michelle Bryant: You’re a maniac!!! Lol . I’ll be praying for you and the job situation! (I have a friend named Michelle Bryant here in Tyler, TX. My daughter used to date her son!)

Tam: triathalon training program!!! My, you are ambitious!!!! Lol I could use a program like that myself!! Good luck to you, I be you’ll be great!!!

GG: Have fun with your horse!!!! (I’m afraid of horses, but they sure are pretty!)

Lauren: Well, how are you feeling today?

Hanna: Glad you and Sean had fun!! That dessert sounds like a pretty fun thing to!! Hope things get better for your friend. I’m sure they will appreciate the meal!

Hope everyone is having a REALLY productive day! I'm managing to stay on track so far! Even got a couple of glasses of water down at lunch with my salad!!!

Tina in Texas

Hey all, don't have much time but wanted to let you all know that Gma is coming home from the hospital today.

I will write more later, I am at my former college and need to get ready for a meeting.

Lisa

happy2b...that was very sweet to make dinner for her. I can't imagine what families like your's and her's must go thr. And don't beat yourself up for having dessert. We all have weak moments..but look at it this way..you DID go to the gym and you DID walk around disney...that alone can be a workout. And is sounds like you survived so congrats. Glad you had a good time.
Llpen - congrats on gma getting out of hopsital
lbh - hang in there..hope you feel better

And yes i had a very beautiful ride. Its getting warm, so my horse is having to get use to the heat. We only rode about 35 min or so since he was doing wonderfully and he was really starting to sweat...so i didn't push him too hard. Now off to give the dog a short walk...bye all