Good morning! Only 15 days till Christmas! I still have some baking to do. It is so humid here that it's difficult. I'm waiting for a cool night. We're having temps in the 80s again--that is way too warm for this time of year. I had to turn on the A/C again. So while I complain about the heat, Melissa had 12 inches of snow! That's a lot. I'll bet it was pretty, but I wouldn't want to drive in it.

I had my dinner party on Friday night and it went well. I made Crown pork roast. It turned out great. DH and I will have some leftovers tonight. Went out to dinner with some friends on Saturday night and then went to a birthday party on Sunday. Needless to say, my weight is up and I need to go to WI. I'm not happy, but I need to face the music. I have kept up my activity, but I'm eating way too many sweets (difficult at this time of year).

Lori, Sorry you're under so much stress. Sometimes we need to sit back and look at everything in perspective. We try to have a perfect Christmas and it just doesn't work out--oh well!! We do our best. It's better to have a good time.

Pam, Please let us know how your DH is doing.

Melissa, So glad you are improving all the time. That is great. It must be difficult not to overdo things at this time of year. When do you return to work?

Susan, As Melissa said, how are the WW meetings going? I hope you have had success. Let us know.

I'm feeling a better now. I was able to switch my travel so that I get home Friday night and not Saturday afternoon this week. That made me really happy. I've also figured out my Christmas schedule. Its not going to be the same as it usually is. The one thing we have kept through the years is going to my parents' on the evening of Christmas Eve. We will just be going there earlier in the day now and to DH's sister's house in the evening. Of course, we will be going up on the 22nd as well to visit other family. We are always the ones who have to drive. No one ever comes down here!

My weight has gone down already. This morning (official WI day) I was 159.2. I always go by my scale on 3FC. For my WW eTools account, I enter my WW weight. Yesterday, that was 160.4 (because I had on 1 pound of clothing ). I really hope I make my New Year's goal (extended from Christmas) but I remember the first time I did WW that the loss was REALLY slow once I got under 160. My goal is just to stay on plan this week while I am on travel. I don't want to eat more than 26 points per day (my target is 22, so I am allowing myself a little extra each day).

Lisa - I will be in that nice warm FL weather tomorrow. I'm actually enjoying the cold around here lately! There was rain, sleet, and freezing rain last night/this morning. Today on the highway you could see that all the trees had ice on them. It was actually quite beautiful.

Hello to Pam, Melissa, and Susan!

Lori I'm glad you were able to change your travel plans. It's difficult to travel this time of the year. That was such good news, too, about your test results--PTL. Where will you be in Florida?

I'm headed to WI tonight. I'm not looking forward to it.

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I haven't been posting more frequently, but things are still a little hectic here. DH is doing well, we went to Boston yesterday for his 6 week follow up. The doctors think his recovery is on schedule. He had a rough time a few weeks ago and was hospitalized again, but hopefully his medication is where it should be now and he won't have another seizure. His doctor told him he would be able to go back to work in February and he's really looking forward to that.
Work continues to be busy also. We just signed a contract with a new software vendor. I'm managing this project, and it's taking up most of my time at work and a lot of time at home Anyway add to all of this the craziness of Christmas time and you get the picture.

Melissa I'm glad to hear you are recuperating and doing well!

Lisa I made your Forgotten Cookies the other night for Lauren. She really likes them. I remember when you gave me the recipe last Christmas I couldn't believe how easy they are to make....my kind of "baking".

Lori I read your post last week about the spiders in the Christmas tree and thought I'm so glad we switched to an artificial tree 4 years ago. My children were not thrilled but it's so much easier. Hope your enjoying your time in FL!

Well ladies my weight seems to be holding steady. Hopefully it will stay where it is at least until Friday when I go for a checkup! I'll try and check in again this week!

Hi Ladies!

I did have a post all done last night and for some reason it was lost I don't know if I hit a key on my keyboard that erased the post but it was gone! It was so frustrating!

I have my new laptop and I'm getting used to the keyboard--it's a little different for me but I'm really liking the fact that I can use it in the living room!

Lisa: I'm planning on going to my WW meeting tomorrow at noon--I really miss seeing my buddies. I haven't decided if I want to step on the scale or not--part of me wants to see where I'm at and the other part wants to wait. I'll probably just take the hit so I know where I'm at. I'm scheduled to go back to work on Dec. 27th. We have a short week (2 days) and when I talked with my boss last week he said he'd probably be taking one of those days for vacation. If I know him he hasn't been off since I've been on leave.

Lori: You're doing great with your weight! Keep up the great work! I've been doing pretty well with the snacking, although two nights ago I had a little collision with some Fritos. I haven't been that hungry for things but the salt and crunch really called my name very loud! *sigh* They're gone now and I have no plans to purchase any more!

Pam: Glad to hear that your DH is doing well. I'm sure it was a little scary having to have him hospitalized again but at least they were able to adjust his medications so that he shouldn't have more seizures. I have my post-op appointment this Friday morning.

I did get a little Christmas shopping done this morning but need to make a list to take with me so that I don't forget anything. I don't need to buy a lot it's just a matter of finding what I need. As far as baking goes, this year it's going to be cut down. My mom finally came to the revelation that we don't need to make a bunch of cookies. FInally! Anyway, I'll make nutrolls and poppyseed rolls and maybe even do a batch of pierogies and that'll be it.

I'm contemplating on heading to the Wellness Center tomorrow to get a walk in before my meeting--I need to start somewhere and tomorrow sounds good to me. I was cleared to start walking and have been getting out and about and walking in the stores but I'm ready to get back into a walking routine. I need to do something so that my weight doesn't creep with the holiday season.

I'll catch up more tomorrow. It's a balmy 45 here today and raining and tomorrow is supposed to halfway decent.

Ladies, I went to WI last night and was up 1#. It could have been worse (should have been worse after how I've been munching the snacks). I got home and decided that I'd order a pizza. Have you ever craved something and then once you ate it--so what?? That's how I felt. I hadn't eaten pizza for a long time. DH got some sort of flu bug last night. He has body aches and a slight temp. I don't think he slept last night. I heard him early this morning calling off work. That means he doesn't feel well. DH rarely calls off. I hope he gets well soon. He had the flu shot.

Pam, It was so good to hear from you. I'd been wondering about DH. Sorry about the setback, but I hope he is doing better. Back to work in February--seems soon (not to him though). Funny you made the Forgotten Cookies. I made them last night. Yes, easy recipe. Congrats on keeping your weight steady. That's difficult when you're under stress as you've been.

Melissa, Glad to hear that you've been cleared to walk. I would be so eager to walk again. I don't like sitting around. I agree with you--do the WI and know where you are. Maybe it won't be so bad. Mmmm, nut rolls. I'm glad you're making those--I think that's a great holiday tradition. I'm trying to cut back on cookies this year. I am only making 4 different kinds instead of 7. I don't think my family will be happy though.

Hi Ladies!

It was beautiful this afternoon--sunshine and mild temps so it was perfect for getting out and about.

I went to my meeting at noon and decided to get on the scale--I really needed to know where I was at so that I could move on. I was only up 1.2# which is great because I really thought it was going to be more especially since I haven't been doing any activity. Now to get myself back on a more normal routine.

I have my doctor's appointment on Friday and am anxious to find out what I'm allowed to do. Each week I'm feeling better although I still have twinges in my lower abdomen. Overall I feel pretty darn good!

I'm not sure when I'm going to do the nutrolls--probably not until sometime next week. I'm getting a little bit done on my Christmas shopping--I'm hoping to get more done tomorrow and Friday. I don't have anything planned for Saturday so that's another option too.

Have a great evening and I'll check back tomorrow!

Hi everybody. Long time no chat. I seem to have no time for the computer at all these days.

I am thrilled with the progress I'm making with the At Work program. I'm down 6.2 lbs in five weeks. Inching closer to the point where I will no longer have to pay, and that will be a great feeling. I believe I actually get a refund since I've paid up front for the 12 weeks.

I have missed so much...Melissa..have you been ill?

Lisa - I am doing my traditional thing and not doing any baking whatsoever I am heading for NB to visit my Mom and family on the 22nd; I usually find something I can do to contribute to the feast once I'm there.

Pam: I'm not certain I know what your DH is recovering from, but glad to hear he's on the mend.

Lori: Sounds like you've been pretty stressed. Glad you've been able to make a few changes.

I apologize for being so out of touch. I have difficulty accessing the site from work for some reason (not that I have time for it) and by the time I get home, well, you know how it is. I will have to make this one of my resolutions for '08 - to check in at least a few times a week.

I am doing a 5 km Resolution Run on New Year's Eve with several of the women from my running group. Should be a great way to finish the year and usher in a new one.

Susan

Melissa, Your WI was so awesome. If I was not allowed to do any activity, I'm afraid I would gain a lot of weight. You must also be watching your food intake. Good for you. I'm glad you're feeling better every day. I'm hoping for less humid weather here this weekend and then I'll be able to bake. Let's hope your doctor gives you a good report.

Pam, Long time no hear. I'm glad that you are doing well. Congrats, congrats for your loss. That is so wonderful and at this time of year.

Hi ladies,

It's like a winter wonderland here. The snowing is coming down heavy and when all is done (sometime this eveining) we should have close to a foot! I left work at noon when the snow began and it took me close to 2 hours to get home. Normally my commute is 40 mintues....I'm so sick of this weather already At least I'll get some exercise in a little later...there will be plenty of snow to shovel.

I have no idea what to make for dinner tonight. My eating has been so-so lately. I've been craving a lot of junk food that I normally don't eat. Don't know what's up with that but I better reign it in.

Melissa good for you for only having a one pound gain...that's awesome. I'm so glad things are continuing to improve for you. I bet you get good news from your doctor on Friday. My Christmas shopping is slow this year also. I have to get to the mall this weekend to get Lauren's big gift which is a Coach bag she's been eyeing for awhile. That girl has very expensive taste..

Lisa hope your DH is recovering from his bout with the flu. As I sit here typing and looking out the window I really wish I lived in Florida. What was your weather like today? I couldn't believe you had temps in the 80's on Monday...you're so lucky.

Susan good to hear from you..sounds like work is keeping you busy. My Dh had some major surgery 6 weeks ago ... he's doing very well now. Congrats on your 6 pound loss!!!

Well ladies I should begin making something for dinner. Hope you all have a terrific day!

We had a bit of snow overnight, and it is really quite beautiful this morning. There is much more snow in town than there is here by the water, and I'm fine with that. One of the great things about condo living is seeing that plow come up the street, complete with guys with shovels. Gotta love it!

My shopping is pretty much complete. I am picking up some photos today that I will frame, and that's a wrap!! I want to get to Costco before I head for home to stock up on some things for my Mom. I know her interest in cooking as declined drastically since Dad died, so I look for things that are quick and easy. At 82, she is entitled to a break.

Glad to hear your DH's recovery is going well Pam.

Well, off to vacuum the house (I'm off today).

Susan

Well, you ladies have had the snow! It's still 80 here. I know--hard to believe. It's too warm for this time of year, but we are to get a break on Sunday. It will be most welcome. The Vivaldi concerts are this weekend and there's a big party to attend. Looking forward to all that.

I hope to get some baking done. With the humidity so high, my dough just doesn't do what I need it to do.

Pam, yes your daughter has expensive taste.

Susan: Good to hear from you! I had a LAVH (laproscopic assisted partial hysterectomy) on November 14th and I've been at home recuperating. So far things are going well.

Pam: We're hunkering down for a major storm this weekend which is heading your way after it visits us. I'm hoping they're wrong about the amount of snow we could get (12+ inches) and the blowing snow.

Lisa: I was so happy with my WI because I didn't know what to expect since I haven't been able to do any walking. I am trying to watch what I'm eating and will admit I haven't been doing that much snacking between meals.

I'm getting there on my Christmas shoppping--I still have a few things to pick up but for the most part I'm pretty much done. As far as cooking/baking goes we've decided we're not going to go overboard on that. I'm not sure when I'm going to bake. Our plan is to get our tree and get it decorated on Friday/Saturday.

My doctor appointment went well on Friday--I'm allowed to push a shopping cart, do some vacuuming, mopping but no moving furniture I still have some internal stitches which should be dissolving the next week or so. I have a follow up appointment next Friday because my doctor is going to be out of the office from Dec. 26 until January 7th! At first they weren't going to schedule my appointment until then and I told the receptionist I had planned on going back to work after 6 weeks. We'll see what the doctor says on Friday. I still get tired if I try to do too much so I'm learning to no push.

Have a great weekend everyone! I can't believe Christmas is around the corner!

Melissa, great news from your doctor. Perhaps you could go back part-time till you feel stronger? I'm glad your shopping is almost done. I'm still amazed at your WI. You definitely not snacking (and at this time of year). I cannot make the same claim. : )

I hope you didn't get socked with too much snow. It was 45 here this morning. A big change for us. Yesterday it was 70 at sunrise and 80 during the day.