I had a busy weekend, but sometimes fun, too. Played golf with DH on Friday; he was having a bad day, but I was doing better so we played "select shot."

The wedding turned out all right even though the bride was late (this is the third wedding in a row at my church where the bride was late). I don't get it. I'm told that many of these young women are watching silly reality shows about weddings and they think it's cool to be late. I think it's rude. Here is a church full of friends and family who've been sitting there for up to 45 minutes and a pastor who's a busy guy waiting.

The 5K was fun. DH received 2nd place in his age group. I sang the National Anthem to kick it off and helped with registration and results.

DH and I saw 2 plays this weekend: "See How They Run" (a farce--very funny) and "Nunsense" also funny. I've seen the latter many times, but I had some friends in it, so I went to see it again.

Then it was on to my GF's house (remember--54" HDTV!) to see the Super Bowl. What a game! It was great, except for my GF being a big Patriots fan I ate way too much, but I had told myself that I wasn't going to worry about it. I had gotten on the scale Sunday morning expecting a loss after a week of staying OP--well nothing!!! Not one ounce. I've read your posts and now I see that it's something to do with us on 3FC--something contagious as none of us are losing. Hmmm

Also had a friend of DH come over to measure our sliding doors. We're having them replaced with French doors--something I've wanted for a long time. It's not cheap, but I'm so tired of these crummy sliding doors. It will look very nice.

So, everyone was talking about family, here's my info. I grew up in northeastern Ohio, I'm 53 years old, married, no children. We have 5 pet birds. We live in Central Florida about 2 blocks from the ocean. I work at a defense contractor in Contracts. I came from a family of 5 children--3 boys, 2 girls. I'm the oldest. My hobbies are singing, golf, and acting, although I'm looking for a new hobby. As I get older, the acting parts are few and far between.

I went back and read the rest of last week's posts to catch up. Goodness, you ladies were busy on this site.

Lori, Sorry about the TOM and no loss. You're right, it's important that you not get pregnant and I agree that your pills need to be adjusted.

Melissa, Sorry about the gain. Stick with it. I'm having a rough time this week, too. I think I'm having issues with BLT's (bites, licks, and tastes). I just don't think about those adding up, but they do. I will work on that. Yum--I love soups, too. I will be trying your recipe.

Theresa, Sorry, too about your gain. It is frustrating. How great that you are taking cello lessons (and play piano and flute). The cello is one of my favorite instruments--deep and rich. I play the piano and sing, but I only play the piano for myself and to practice my singing. Yes, I too have envied folks who can play by ear. I have to have sheet music.

Tanya, I wouldn't consider yours a true gain; however, reading your posts, I know that you're getting your AP's in. Perhaps you are not eating enough points. Our bodies sense different things and if your body thinks you're working it too hard with not enough fuel, it goes into hibernation mode. As the others said, eat your points. Another tip that works for some people is eating lots of points one day and then a low day and then high points, etc. It sort of mixes up your body. Sorry Jax is sick; that may explain his clinginess.


Hello to Pam and Susan.

Hi Ladies,

What a weekend? The game was awful. I am so bummed that we lost, but at least it was good game. I like to think that the Giants fans are just as important as we Pats fans are, so we can't win it all I guess. I mean all of those players have kids, wives, mom and dads that are rooting for them, so there joy makes me feel better. DH doesn't feel the same way, lol. I LOVE football, but I just don't get as attached to the teams as some people do. It is just a game and they played well. They make millions, so they'll get over it I'm sure. It is tough that they one every single other game this season, that's a bummer. Everyone I have seen today seems down, it's just not a great mood aground here.

Rick left at 3:30am last night t catch the red eye back to NC, and Jackson woke up at 4am w. a fever of 104.8!! He was shaky and his eyes were rolling back. I attempted to get him up and give him a tepid bath, but he was sound asleep. I gave him some Motrin and he slept until 6am in my bed (ne NEVER sleeps in my bed). This morning it was down to 102.5, so I took him into the pedi office and he had a double ear inf and Bronchitis. Owe! He is sleeping now and has been pleasant considering. He watched the Little Mermaid earlier, which seemed to make him feel better. He LOVES Little Mermaid, Nemo and Cars.


I am still sore over my small gain, but getting over it. I had all these big plans to work out this week and eat perfectly, but w. DS home sick I can't leave the house and the kitchen is screaming my name. Luckily I did go to the gym Fri, Sat and Sun, while DH was home and my mom offered to stay w. DS tomorrow while I go for a quick workout. I don't like leaving him when he is this sick though... we'll see how he is tomorrow.

Oops, I was planning on replying to everyone's posts. but DS is up early from his nap, so I need to run. I'll reply later. -Tanya

Yea, it's a new week and time to start over for the millionth time! I'm off work for 2 weeks so I'm going to try and get my good habits going again and vary my exercise more. I've been eating a little better, but I feel like I'm just fighting food instead of living with it. This morning I bought a new pair of running shoes and ran 1/2mi. twice with about a 5 minute walk inbetween. I was surprised at how hard it was! I thought I was in fairly good shape from doing my Nordic Track, but apparently it's not the same. Anyway, the plan is to run a little every other day while I get the mileage up so that hopefully I won't get hurt. I used to run a lot years ago (even ran a 4:11 marathon!), and trained with the local HS cross country team so I'm familiar with the training.

One of the hardest things for me to work into my diet each day is the 3 servings of dairy, but I've come up with a GREAT shake that is only 2 pts for a whole blender full. It easily could be shared for a 1pt snack.

Chocolate Mocha Shake
Put 1 cup cold water in blender. Turn it on and add 1/3c. instant non-fat dry milk, 1 t. instant coffee, 2 Tbls. sugar-free fat-free chocolate syrup (I found this at Walmart), 2 packets Splenda. When blended and frothy, add 1 cup crushed ice and blend until smooth.
For whole blender - 105 calories, 2 pts, 1 serving dairy

Enjoy everyone!

Theresa, running is great exercise. Yes, it is difficult. I've never gotten the hang of it. I've ran a 10K last year and that's it for me. DH, on the other hand, has run 36 marathons! He finds it enjoyable. The shake sounds good. I, too, am struggling with food. Last week I was OP and the scale showed nothing! I was so disappointed, but as you said, new week. Keep going.

Tanya, Your poor little guy. That was a high fever. I hope he is feeling better today.

Lori,Yea for being down at WI. I think you're the only one in our group.

Good morning! It's been a crazy couple of days--we had our annual employee Wellness Fair yesterday so Monday was getting everything together for it along with my regular "duties" so it was busy. The program went well, although we never get as many employees as we would like. It always seems the ones who need it are the ones who don't attend! In any case, everything went pretty well. I'm glad it's done.

I have not had the best days with eating and quite honestly I got away from my journal. I have my doctor's appointment next week and I want to talk to her about what I can do. I'm following the program, getting activity in and my weight isn't going anywhere which is soooo frustrating!

Tanya: I hope your DS is doing better. I remember the days of ear infections really well. There's not much you can do other than wait for the meds to kick in. Both of my boys had them quite a bit when they were younger. My DS #1 ended up having to have ear tubes and a tonsillectomy and having his adenoids out because they were blocking his tubes--he was 13 at the time. It wasn't until his regular doctor referred us to a ENT that we found this out. Poor kid could've been spared had his pediatrician done that years ago. The worst part was that he failed his hearing test and with that and the constant ear "plugging" we saw the ENT. Thankfully his hearing was not damaged permanently! Hope everything else is going well.

Lori: You are so dedicated with getting your workouts in! Congrats on your loss!! You're doing great!

Lisa: I haven't had the greatest week but today starts a new one for me and I'm hoping to stay more on track. I've been struggling because all the work I'm putting in just isn't paying off. I know as you get older it's harder but geez I shouldn't have to NOT eat!

Theresa: Wow, good for you for running! I stick with my walking and that's worked into my daily schedule really well. I'm anxious to give the mushroom soup a try--thanks for the review!

The last couple of days the weather has been crazy--Monday we tied a record (59) and yesterday it was equally warm in the morning and then the temps dropped. I did get outside to walk on Monday so that was good.

I'll try and post more later!

Melissa, A Wellness Fair sounds like a great idea. DH works at a hospital and you wouldn't believe how unhealthy the employees are. There is a suggestion system for healthy ideas at the hospital, so DH wrote in that there should be onsite WW meetings. WELL, he got a response that was bad; the management said that there will be no solicitation on site AND they said the cafeteria would not be changing their menu to carry WW items. DH was stunned. He never said anything about food in the cafeteria. He just mentioned having meetings on site to get more folks on a weight loss plan.

You certainly have had strange weather. I feel for the people in KY--48 died in tornadoes. I think those are worse than hurricanes because we at least get a warning.

Lori, I find that when I'm really tired, some bug is trying to get me. Sometimes it's just best to take it easy, so the bug will get out of your system. You're back on track and that's what matters.

I can't believe it's Ash Wednesday. No meat today, but I have many days that are meatless, so that's not a biggie.

Hello to Pam, Susan, Theresa, Tanya

Lisa: Both of our local hospitals have on-site meetings and I know the one where our leader comes from has 2 or 3. They even help pay for the program. I'm always amazed when I hear about places that don't support healthy options when they are in the health business. Doesn't make sense does it?

No meat for me either but that's not a big issue since I'm really not a big meat eater.

I was blindsided at the scale today--was up 2.2# and it too me to a level I said I would never get to...I was really upset and talked with my leader for a bit. I've been going over and over what I've been doing and nothing is jumping out at me. My leader called me this afternoon and I assured her I didn't go for comfort in food but it sure was tempting to get some fries or something but what would that solve? *sigh*

Melissa, I'm so sorry about your gain. I, like you, wonder what is going on. I had a meltdown on Sunday. I was OP all last week and expected to see some loss--nothing, zilch. I was so upset. You said you were going to your doctor next week, so maybe there is an explanation.

Lori, Wow! What news and a big decision for you. Yes, the frustrating thing about the WW meetings was it's a hospital. Here's another thing they're doing--there will no longer be any smoking on the premises (Duh!) It's a hospital--go figure. DH says he doesn't know what some of the nurses will do. Several of them go outside to puff several times a day.

Hello Ladies,
I know I haven't been around as much lately, but I have been reading your posts and they have been helping to pull threw this tough week.

Jackson is feeling better and his fever seems to have finally subsided. My DM watched him this morning while I hit the gym. It felt soooo good to get out of the house and to get a work out in. I never realized how much I need and appreciate staying active. Although I found Freddie's class tougher than usual. Two days make a big difference I guess. DH will be home Fri and then leaves Sun again, but will be home next wed for good! Thank goodness. I was fine the first week, but the last 2 have been rough. I have a new appreciation for all that he does. I just hope he appreciates all I have done as much.

Lori, Sorry that you had a rough few days. Being tired and stressed definitely does it for me as well. I hope all your efforts and activity will still pay off. You have been working and working out so much lately, it must be hard to handle all of that and still make good choices as far as food. Plus add to that the big news youv'e been dealing w. from your MD about it being Ok to TTC. It's a lot to pile on at one time and you need to give yourself some credit. You are putting in tons of effort at work and the gym. Good for you. Congrats on the big news, btw. I am sure it's a lot to think about right now. Just remember that no matter the circumstances I don't think anyone ever feels completely ready to have a baby. I know you obviously have a very diff situation. I am so happy for you, whatever decision you make.

Lisa, I know what you mean about staying active and OP all week and having nothing to show for it on the scale. I am pushing through it because of the advice and support form all of you. If not I would have just come home from my meeting and ate PB & J's all day...seriously.

Melissa, I am sorry about your gain. It seems like you have been doing everything right and I think you are right to talk w. your MD about it. Let us know how it goes. The wellness fair sounds like a great program, but it is too bad that more people didn't get involved. It seems like you are always pitching and getting involved in great causes. I hope your taking some time for yourself as well. You still need to listen to your body, even though you are well into recovery form your surgery. Do you still feel tired? My DM had a prolapsed bladder a few years ago and had surgery. She recovered quickly but was tired and felt bloated for months after. I think everyone is different.

Theresa, Mmmmmm that shake sounds PERFECT! I am a big chocolate mocha fan I also have trouble w. getting in my daily servings of milk and I am not one to drink it w. out cookies, which often defeats the purpose. I have some w. my cereal but that's about it. I am not a huge yogurt fan, but I do like cheese. Does anyone know if low fat cheese counts as a milk/dairy serving?

Tanya, Good to hear from you again and great news about Jax. I hope your DH realizes how much you've done also. It is true that once you start working out and then can't do it, you really miss it and notice it.

Lori, Congrats on your decision. It's a big one, but you can plan and be ready for the great arrival. Yes, DH works on a heart floor and if he tells someone: do your exercises, watch your diet--he is much more credible. If someone says to him: "who are you to tell me..." DH can say, I've run 36 marathons. : ) When an obese nurse tells the patient the same thing..well

Oh, forgot to say that I'm headed to my parents home (150 miles away) for a visit this weekend, so I'll skip choir practice and go to yoga and Pilates class. I'm looking forward to that. Dh is staying home; he has a 10K race and has to work on Sunday. I'm anxious to see my DM--she has developed high blood pressure and high cholesterol, so now she's on all sorts of meds (sorry she has to take them), but her blood pressure was 190/160!!! Can you believe it?

Good Morning Ladies,

Just got back from the gym and I am feeling better about my WI @ tomorrow's meeting. I ate well yesterday and plan to stay OP today. Jackson's fever has FINALLY subsided and he is still coughing but not as much. He is anxious for Rick to come home and has been asking for him a lot this morning. He woke up at 5am and had wet the crib. He has not had an accident in 3 wks, so I think it was a 1 time thing, because he isn't feeling well. Plus his meds make him so sleepy and he probably was too relaxed and sleepy to control it. I changed him and his bedding and brought him up into my bed and he slept w. me until 7:30am, which he never does. It was nice having him next to me esp w. DH gone. We only have a Queen so it wouldn't work so well w. all three of us. I try not to encourage, the co-sleeping habit. If you let them get into that they will wake up nightly to come into your bed. My youngest sister slept in my parents bed for half the night until she was 7!! Not good for her or them.

Lori, Congrats again on your big decision, it sounds like you have made a good choice and you will be more comfortable and ready when you finally do conceive. This is such an exciting time and you should enjoy it. Are you taking folic acid already? It's a good idea to start prenatal vitamins and folic acid up to 6 months before conception.

Lisa, Enjoy you trip to see your DM. I hope she is doing OK. That BP is pretty high, and esp if she is on meds to control it. My Nonno (grandfather) is in the hosp right now w. liver problems, possibly failure. He is 88 and has diabetes. He is in the middle of a messy divorce right now from a much younger woman who left him, took his money and took off to Brazil...long story. My Dad brought him into the ER yesterday thinking it was just some abdominal pain but the CT shows lover function issues. I am going to see him tonight. I feel awful because he must be so scared and alone. He speaks little to no English and he acts like an old grump but deep down he is just lonely.

Hello to Melissa and Theresa!

Tanya, Hope you have a good WI tomorrow. Sorry about your Nonno (are you Italian-American?) I am. Liver problems are really serious and then the messy divorce. What a story that must be.

Hi everyone! It's a chilly 26 here today so no walking outside. My walking partner needed to take an earlier lunch and run an errand so I kind of went back and forth as to whether I should go out walking...common sense won out and I headed to the Wellness Center. I'm proud to report I got a 3-mile walk in over the lunch hour!

Lori: That's great news! You're smart to evaluate and go from there. It's a big step and you have to weigh everything out. I haven't don't anything out of the ordinary and that's what has me so puzzled. I do have an appointment with my doctor next week for a check up and I want to discuss this with her.

Tanya: Glad to hear Jackson is improving. I'm still taking time for myself but I'm finding that my energy level is pretty well nonexistent so that's been hard. I've had a hard time getting motivated to get up in the morning and my hands/feet have been cold. I do have an appointment next week with my doctor so we'll see what she says. It's just frustrating. The number on the scale really bothered me. I've been able to maintain in the 140's for so long (1999) to see 150 really threw me.

Lisa: DM's BP really is high! Mine was 150/100 when I was diagnosed so I can't even imagine hers! At least they caught it and have her on meds. Mine still fluctuates at times--Tuesday mine was up but I think that was because of running around for the Wellness Fair. You're right about DH...if he's in shape telling people to be more active for heart health it makes a lot of sense but when you have a nurse tell you who isn't in good shape the chance of someone listening is not that good. It's always amazing to me how many health professionals smoke too. Enjoy the visit with your mom!

I have a busy end of the week--WW tonight and tomorrow night and then on Saturday I work the kitchen for the sportsmen's raffle; the menu is pizza, hotdogs, sauerkraut, baked beans, cookies. I generally do pretty well because I'm running back and forth to the ovens. I'll take a bunch of bottled water so I have something to drink.

Hi to Theresa, Pam!

Well I am exhausted after waking up so early w DS this morning so this will be quick.

Melissa, Good job on the 3mi walk! That is fantastic! I am sorry that your energy level isn't up to par lately. I know how impossible it is for me to stay active when I am exhausted. Your body will only let you go so far when it's tired. I was tired at the gym today and only did 25min of Cardio vs my usual 35-60.

Lisa, Good luck again w. your mom. YES, my Nonno's story is a long and unfortunate one. Good thing is he is very wealthy and my parents and aunts and uncles have taken control over his finances so that his ex-wife can't sabotage them. My Nonna was his one true love and she passed away 7yrs ago. She suffered from Alzheimer's disease for 10yrs and spent more than half of them in a nursing home basically just a shell of who she was. Nonno married his home health aid because he was lonely and not accustomed to caring for himself but always kept pics of Nonna everywhere and spoke about her. His 2nd wife was obviously in it for the money, but hopefully she won't get any. Oh and YES I am Italian. My dad is in the processing of applying for an American citizenship right now after living here for 30something yrs! My mom is Italian as well, but she was born and raised in Boston. My Nonno and Nonna moved here just after my dad and then most of his brothers and sister followed. One sister stayed in Italy and had a family. She passed away years ago of colon cancer and her family is still in Opi (Dad's hometown). They run the family restaurant that Nonno and Nonna opened when they first married. It is a small town and they have some cottages they rent as well, there is a national park there and some camp grounds. That is there livelihood so they rarely can leave to visit the US, but we visited them often as kids. We are going in August for my cousin's wedding!

OK that was longer than I had planned. I am off to sleep. Hahaha, it's 7:22 and I am getting into bed... is that normal? Wish me luck at WI tomorrow!

Hello, to Lori, Theresa and Pam