Good morning ladies,

Its Thanksgiving week! Kind of hard to believe given the weather we've been having. I think its supposed to hit 75 degrees today. Too bad I can't get home before dark to ride.

Since it is Thanksgiving this week, I thought I would spend this week thinking of things that I am really thankful for. It is so easy to get caught up in all the hassles of every day life and get focused on all the things we can't get done or do. But how often do we really sit back and appreciate the good things?

Like now, I can hear that the dogs are doing something they shouldn't be doing and right now I'm not focusing on how much life they add to the household. All I hear are the sounds of tearing paper. It better not be the money or the bills that need paying that I had laying on my purse. (I'm back; had a brief moment of fear because it looked like someone had snatched my cell phone.)

Back to appreciating things.

I am very grateful that I can do the physical work that I can do. I am grateful that my body has not completely fallen apart even though with all the weight I've carried for so many years; its had every right to fall apart. I am thankful that the Lord watches over me each time I get on the horses and has kept me safe. I am thankful that I am getting to live my dream; one that I've had since childhood but didn't think I would ever achieve - I am learning how to be a good horsewoman. I am training my own horses. I can do it. I am thankful to have a group of ladies who understand the feelings that I have about my weight and frustrustrations and all - and all without judgement and never make me feel like I'm failing. I am thankful that each day I wake up is a second chance at improving my health before its too late.

I got in my 40 minutes of exercise this morning. I forgot to mention yesterday that I exercised in the morning before the 4 hours of horsework.

I need to go chase dogs again.

to all!

Rediculous! Gabe has been home since last Tuesday and I haven't ridden him YET! Bill came home "SURPRISE!" for 2 days, and the weekend was a blow-out as far as horse-time. I've been to the barn briefly every day, but no real time to sniff horse dust for all the hours I want to. I'm riding tonight. I SWEAR I am. Then I'm catching up here! I've been gone six whole days!!! Gotta work right now tho...

Terri -- Your post had me laughing and crying!

I'm grateful for a job I love and a husband I adore and 2 pugs who make life fun (and crazy), and grateful I can do so much more with my body and have so much more energy in my life.

And VERY grateful for 3fc!!

Hi everyone!

I just thought I'd post a quick note here, since people don't really read the exercise thread, but just the person above them. It's been hard to get the news out there!

We are about 8,000 minutes from our goal of exercising 200,000 minutes this year!

So, I thought it would be fun (although confusing) to count DOWN! So, please subtract your minutes from the total until we get to zero!!!!!

Good morning ladies,

I'm at work already and trying to get my butt in gear. I didn't exercise this morning. I thought I would give my knees a break since I hurt so much yesterday. I plan on doing my 30 minutes tonight before Biggest Loser comes on. Actually since I do have a TV in that room, I could exercise while I watch the show. **gasp** what a novel idea!

I am thankful for the place that we have. Its modest but its us. I am thankful that I still have a job and that it is finally turning around to being just hard work again. I am thankful that my DH is cooking Thanksgiving dinner and I don't have to!

Heather - I could have contributed to the 8000 if I had remembered to keep track of my minutes. You could always throw in minutes for me if you want. I have exercised this year; just not kept track of it. That will be my ONLY goal for next year....tracking.

Valerie - For shame! Did you get out and ride last night? How did it go? How did you feel? I rode both boys on Sunday and had good rides on both. I am very close to being ready to take Spanky on our first trail ride.

to all!

Yes! I rode last night. I lunged him first and he was quiet as a lamb, the little liar! I should have known when he fussed while I was bridling him that I should have gone back to lunging. Getting on probably took 20 minutes since his fussing continued and I was back to using a 2 step mounting block. The 3 step at Ken's had me spoiled. I made it up, all on my own eventually. He was immediately really spooky and for a moment was sure I was about to die even after all that training. I kept working him back & forth against the far wall, turning him into it rather than pointing him in an open direction. He started to settle down somewhat, so we walked around a bit, did a couple sidepasses, some turns on the forehand, and called it a day. I probably only rode 10-15 minutes or so, but I did make it up there by myself, and I did come off voluntarily, so we're calling it a success. Aside from the place just plain being new (and dark and shadowy) there's a doorway from the arena straight in to the people's house. I was terrified that someone would come popping out of it while we were close to it. Certain death on that first ride. Hopefully tonight will be better.

I too have many things to be thankful for... but this holiday thing is really cramping my schedule and my checkbook. I'd rather be generating $$ during the day and entertaining my horse at night. Instead I'll be spending $$ on fancy food and travel, and entertaining my husband instead of my horse. I swear, starting next Monday, nobody better mess with my barn time. I have one more week before the other two horses move in, bringing their excited little girls with them. I am so selfish, I know, but I wish I could just indulge that selfishness a little bit, so that I could get back to being the generous, sharing person that I know I can and should be, and would like to be.

Also keeping me hovering on the edge of total beachiness is that fact that I'll have to come face to face with my dreaded Evil Step Daughter on Thursday. Just knowing I have to deal with her tends to ruin great chunks of the whole week before every holiday. I can't think of anyone who deserves a pop in the nose more than my ESD. But at least I'll have time to ride Gabe in the a.m. before the party, and after the meal I don't have to see her again for a month Then I can go back to riding my wonder-horse and quietly living my selfish little life again.

Ladies,

Hello everyone! Just a quick in and out. Glad everyone seems to be having a good, if busy, week.

Today, I am greatful that I am healthy and able to function at work and at home. A new friend of mine, my age exactly, has such horrible pain from arthritis, I don't know how she works every day. So I am thankful for my minor aches and pains, which remind me they could be MAJOR aches and pains and are not.

Got to run!

Went to the barn. Had a lovely, peaceful time cleaning Gabe's stall while he munched hay. Brushed him, saddled him, lunged him... couldn't ride him. I couldn't get on. The saddle was just a bit less tight than last night. In trying to get on, it slipped a bit, the mounting block & I tumbled under the horse, twisting my ankle a bit. No witnesses, THANKFULLY! And no real injury, but I couldn't get on because I'm too fat.

What have I done for the last year? Why have I made no progress at all? Is this no longer important to me?! Do I not CARE?! Is it too hard?! Good grief, Charlie Brown!

I have so many great excuses lately.
1.) The kitchen drain hasn't been working right so I can't cook cuz it would make too many dishes. (That one's a doozie, huh?) But Bill is driving home as I type, and he IS fixing it. Problem solved.
2.) My budget is too tight lately to go shopping and stock up on the right foods. So I've been spending probably $15 a day on prepared foods... like that's really economical! So tonight (as tho in answer to a prayer) I found chicken on sale for $1.99/lb, and in truth, the freezer is already full of veggies. I just haven't cooked 'em. Problem solved.
3.) I SO am not in the mood to exercise lately. OK, I'm taking suggestions on this one. I might start with kicking somebody, given the pouty, angry, disgusted, self-loathing, but-on-the-edge-of-fiercely-determined mood I'm in just now. Working on solving this one...
4.) Um... Stress. Yeah, that's it. Always a good excuse for why I choose to hurt myself. What better excuse could I have to please my evil SD and her even more evil mother by staying fat? Organize, prioritize - clean up my house and my checkbook. Problem handled, if not solved.
5.) Let's not forget hormones. Never have I had to battle those ferocious buggers like I do in this ugly pre-menapause thing. Another great reason to hand my fate and happiness over to Hershey's... right?
6.) Oooo, one of my favorites: It's BARB's fault cuz she brought a loaf of bread in to the house. Gee, do you think she'd care if I just put it in a cupboard so I don't have to look at it? Out of sight, out of mouth. Problem solved.
7.) Don't you just love the "what-the-heck, it's-only-one-bite/day/donut/meal/etc." excuse?? Now counts. There has to be a starting place, and it's Now. Now, before I eat that next thing that keeps me so fat that I can't get on my horse.

I have absolutely no right to self-pity. It's not that I've just slipped, or even that I've failed. It's that I haven't really committed myself to trying. I lost 70 pounds because I was committed to trying. I developed biceps because I was committed to trying. I lost that commitment and stopped trying for more than a day or two, here and there. I ignored the plan that I know works. I chose to find and accept excuses, rather than keep my eye on the goal - even though that goal is what my heart most greatly desires.

So the next thing, the more important thing I need to do, is focus on all the reasons why I'm still going to work on this - why I'm still going to succeed - and HOW I'm going to do it.

The plan:
1.) Plan ahead to succeed by cooking ahead.
2.) Write it down. Write it ALL down.
3.) F.C. - as often as possible!
4.) Celebrate success.
5.) Quit giving up. One day at a time, fight to the end.
6.) Reconsider exercise, even in little increments - and celebrate those successes, too.

Since I listed 7 excuses for failure, I'll start with 8 reasons to succeed.
1.) To get my wide wagon up on my wonder-horse.
2.) To not make him sway-backed once I'm up there.
3.) To stay up there without rolling off like a bowling ball.
4.) To look darn good up there.
5.) To not have a multi-chin looking down at the camera for a picture.
6.) Field boots. I want a pair of field boots so bad I can taste it. Ugh. I better go brush my teeth.
7.) Breeches. Off the rack. And a riding jacket, too.
8.) To see more sunrises before I meet the Artist. OK - sunsets. A morning person, I'm not.
9.) Because my friend with cancer would do it differently if she had another chance. I do have another chance, and to honor her beautiful heart, I should do for myself what I am unable to do for her, or anyone else, nor can anyone do it for me. To be healthier.
10.) To really, really, REALLY piss my evil SD off

See? I wasn't even trying and my reasons whipped up on my excuses.
I've blabbered enough. I have 3 hours until Bill gets home. I better go claim my side of the bed and make use of it.

THANK YOU for being here to blabber at!

Morning ladies,


Just wanted to pop in and say Happy Thanksgiving! We're going to have a lovely quiet day. DH is making a turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes and other goodies just for us. He's even made a pumpkin pie. I plan on having a great day just putzing around which includes nap time, reading magazine time, and some outdoor time since the sun is shining. Cold but the sun is shining.

Have a great day!

Happy Friday! Bill is home for a few days. He's fixed the kitchen sink, and he's been helping me with Gabe by holding my stirrup so the saddle doesn't slip when I hoist my hinny on board. He's been such an angel about it.

TG was wonderful here, and I hope it was with your families as well. Evil SD wasn't even there. My dogs got to go to grama's, which is especially wonderful. They spend too much time at home alone. They slept well, as I did, last night.

So, is anybody else working today?? Here at the hospital they're having a blood drive and I went to try to donate on my lunch hour. I didn't realize that they'd require ID, and I had left my purse out in the car, so I'll just have to do it another day. ...not that I'm an easy-to-discourage coward or anything, but, well, yes - I am!

Hello all - I went shopping and wished I hadn't. Your own lovely Lady Lilion was KICKED OUT OF RADIO SHACK! I'm so embarassed I can't believe I'm actually telling you this.

I stood in line 45 minutes for the store to open so I could get the Xbox 360 with 2 free games. There was a display of them. I picked it up - display boxes are empty. They went and got me one - it was dented badly on two sides, like it had been dropped. I asked the clerk and he dismissively said "That happens in shipping. It's fine." Then he started ringing it up and I said, "Wait, what about the free games?" He said "This doesn't have free games." I told him the ad said two free games. He said they didn't have any. I asked him the price of the one he was ringing up - same price as with the free games. I pointed out the display. He acted like he was blind and couldn't see the boxes with the games RIGHT ON THE FRONT that were 10 feet away. I said, "I want the one that was advertised, that's right there with two free games!" Finally he said, "We can order one for you." At this point they've tried to sell me one without the free games at the same price as the one with, in a banged up box that they never even suggested they open to see if it's okay. My response was, "This is just <B.S.>. Can you guarantee it'll be here by Xmas?" He said, "I won't have you swear at me, leave my store." It actually took me a second to realize what I had said that offended him. I said, "You are right, I apologize." He said, "Next customer." I said, "I wasn't swearing AT you, I'm frustrated here." He said, "Yes you were, leave now!" I said "Sir, I apologize for my inappropriate language. I've been standing outside over 1/2 an hour for a system you now tell me you don't have when there's a display RIGHT THERE. You have to understand how frustrating this is." He turned his back on me and refused to speak to me further. I burst into tears and left the store. Or left and then burst into tears, I can't remember which.

To make my morning worse, I then went to Target to try to get one there, but they were out. After that mob scene I went to get gas and discovered that my debit/credit card was missing! I went back to Target and checked the parking lot where I had been parked. Nothing. I went back to the mall and checked the route from the mall to my car. Nada. I had my husband call Radio Shack and check there. Nope. So I had to call and cancell my card! The entire time I'm pretty much in tears and I also had to go back to Sears, the first place I'd been all day, because they had double charged my account when I made my purchase there! All in tears.

I know that one word I used was inappropriate - I do. But really, it's not like I cussed the guy out. I've worked retail. If a frustrated customer used the word <BS> at MOST I'd have told them not to and if they apologized - as I did THREE times! - I'd have let it drop! It isn't as though he'd been thru a long, hard day either - I was the THIRD person in line, the store hadn't been open five minutes! Literally! I truly don't know whether I'm more ashamed of myself or outraged by the whole experience.

In the end my DH and I went to Best Buy and got the Xbox with Guitar Hero, which my son may or may not play, we'll see. And we had a huge, fattening meal which I enjoyed completely. I've now had a nap and feel better. DH was really upset. AFter all, his wife called him in tears at 6 a.m. But I just want to put it all behind me and never set foot in that store again.

And I'll NEVER shop another Black Friday either. I'm done.

Okay, now I've ranted, rambled and fessed up. I should really say something TO you instead of talking AT you!

Valerie, I'm so glad you had a nice turkey day (without the evil SD)! It has been a very quiet time at my house. My MIL picked up DS yesterday and took him home with her. DH sleeps and I get to be in the QUIET! That's nice. We'll be doing the big dinner thing Sunday at the MIL house. I actually am looking forward to it. It's always nice. DH and I get a few days to ourselves too. We'll be going to an R rated movie tonight without guilt! Your post from the 20th SO rings true. I'm right there with you! I did SO WELL that first year. I lost 70 lbs the first year, only 30 the second and this year, nada. And I really only have myself to blame! It really is time to get back to work here!

Terri, sounds like you had a lovely day as well! Truthfully, I missed not having the whole big dinner yesterday. But it's just not the same when it's DH's breakfast! He got up and had eggs. I had vegetable soup.

To Ruth, Heather, Bearcub, Rileydog, Luja and everyone else - Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy yourselves!

Hi ladies,

DH and I were total slugs yesterday. He fixed a very nice dinner and we had it all cleaned up by 2 pm. We did not over indulge nor did we have a bunch of leftovers to plague us for days either. Very nice. And I did not feel guilty at all about not doing anything really productive. I did try to venture outside and decided it was too cold and that under a blanket was a better place to be.

Today was a busy day. I did my black Friday shopping online. I didn't really need to do much but found a few bargains at Bath & Body, Catherines and Fashion Bug. All before 8 am.

The farrier came to put Spanky's shoes back on (again). It was cold! I put a log in my new chiminea and had it sitting outside the garage/barn. That was nice because I could go stand by it and warm up while doing outside chores. DH came home and helped me finish winterizing the barn. Which really means getting the lawn mower and everything else out of the way so that we can get all three vehicles and the 3-wheeler inside in case of nasty weather. And its ready that we could put two horses inside if we need to. It felt good to be productive. However, the 70 degree to 35 degree weather change this week was a bit too much in one week.

I'm headed to Springfield MO tomorrow. My sister is hosting TG dinner for our family down there. DH doesn't want to go because 1) he's mad at my two brothers still and 2) the big KU/MU game is tomorrow night and 3) he just can't function well in her house with the stairs and the various levels. So while leaving him at home seems bad, I get to stay all night with my sis and mom and come home on Sunday. Works for me!

We've got two pumpkin cheesecakes in the oven now. Cheesecakes are usually my thing during the holidays. I wanted to try something different. I've made the full blown (i.e. fat and calories) recipe that I found on Joy of Baking.com and then I made a WW recipe that I had saved last year. I want to do a taste test on the family. I'm thinking that the WW is going to be a keeper.

Lilion - Horrors! What a terrible day you've had. And the guy at the Radio Shack was a jerk. He should have had better customer service skills than that. Because while he might have felt himself superior by refusing to serve you; he cost the store a sale. Was he the manager? If not, I'd call and talk to the manager. The guy was the root of the problem not you. If he was the manager, then he's a terrible one at that. I'd probably write to corporate headquarters. Who knows, you might get a coupon or something to use somewhere else!!!

Valerie - Yay for you - no ESD! And for getting to ride Gabe with Bill's help. Get yourself a 3 step mounting block. I just use the excuse that I have a bad knee and hip on that side. LOL

DH has dinner about ready so I better go help him.

to all!

Hi, All
On this Thanksgiving, I am thankful my sister is making good progress and will soon be returning to work part time and is feeling stronger every day. Her husband has been a rock. He fixed TG dinner and the boys made the mashed potatoes and green beans and all is well there. i am thankful for friends who invited me to their house for dinner on THE DAY. I am thankful for this group of amazing women who keep trying to lose weight and keep it together even when things get tough. You are an inspiration! I am also thankful that I am in pretty good health myself and still have time to get in better health so I don't have the problems my sister has had.
Lilion - you had a right to be upset about the way you were treated. The RS guy should have immediately offered to give you a credit for an undamaged box/product or offered to check the box and should have at least have asked a manager to check the ad against the product. He should never have argued with you about it. But they usually hire untrained temps during Christmas season and as a former teacher, I can tell you, young people are not the most polite of service people.
I haven't gone out on the Black Friday shopping in years because I do not handle big crowds well. I get claustrophobic and I'm afraid I would not respond well to frustration. I try to plan my shopping trips so that I can go out and take all the time I need and get anything special well ahead of time. Of course, I'm at the age, as is most of my family, when we really don't need or want a lot of things anyway. Gift cards and hand made gifts are more the norm now. We all tend to get ourselves what we want otherwise. I do most of the shopping for my grandnieces and nephews and then it's mostly books and clothes. They get too many toys from everyone else.
Have a great holiday everyone and be safe!
Bearcub