Happy Fat Tuesday, everyone! I don't really have any indulgences planned for today. My church is having a Mardi Gras dinner and serving jumbalaya (which I don't like) so it should be easy for me to resist and I don't know if they are serving wine, but if they are I'm not going to have any. I'm actually a little nervous about going because I don't really know anyone at my church that well and I'm never good at walking into gatherings where I don't know people. But, I'll have my son with me so that's always a good ice breaker and he can be my date anyway . My husband won't get off work in time to come with us.

My parents are now backtracking on going to see that specialist. The only thing I can do is sit back and let them make these decisions themselves - my parents are very independent, so there is nothing I can say. Unfortunately, the situation is such that something has got to give soon as I don't think they can go on this way for much longer. It's very sad. I hope that as I get older, I will be more realistic and plan better for myself so that I can remain independent as long as possible under many different possible scenerios. Sigh.

A big budget meeting at work today, and that's about it other than general work responsibilities. Hope everyone has a great day-

Good morning from cold and snowy Delta where winter is hanging on really hard! Today is still below freezing which is good news in a way - no melt means no water in the basement. I dread another power outage which means no sump pump and a wet basement. Crossing my fingers for a slow melt when it happens.

It's Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day and there will be the smell of pancakes all over this Village later this afternoon. I am serving at a pancake supper which will NOT be a temptation. Pancakes sort of sit like a wad of gum in my tummy so they are easy to resist. It's way too cold for local maple syrup but the guys have located some left from 2010. The men are really into this and do the pancake cooking while we "ladies" serve and wipe up sticky tables. For once, I approve of using paper plates.

Paul will be here mid-day to finish installing shower doors in my downstairs shower. He goofed when ordering the shower over a year ago - the shower curtain did not prevent water from leaking onto the floor. The supplier offered to make me a glass door for nearly $2K but Paul was determined to find another solution and he did. He will do silicone stuff today and I'll have a downstairs shower ready to toll by the weekend.

Now in the time I've been babbling on, I'm sure the other Early Chicks have posted.

ETA: See!!!!! Good morning Matilda. I can certainly sympathize with you over your parent situation. It's hard for everyone when role reversal starts. My parents were very stubborn about maintaining their independence and it was a struggle. The turning point came when Dad decided to give up his car.

Now I'm outta here before someone else sneaks in!

Fat Tuesday and there will be Faschnats everywhere, but I will resist. I just picture them as a big them as a big blob of lard, sugar and flour, and then they aren't as appealing. I will be baking pumpkin bread this afternoon, though, and that is where I'll need my willpower to kick in! Audrey decided she wants to take in pumpkin bread, rather than cupcakes, to share with her classmates for her birthday, and I'm pleased that she asked me to make it, as she likes my recipe the best.

Matilda, I think you have the best date possible to go to the Mardi Gras dinner. I bet your son is thrilled to escort you! I sympathize with you about your parents' stubborness. I have similar problems with my own parents and it's so frustrating at times

ETA -

Morning, Ruth! You snuck in while I was posting!

Good Morning

I'm up early trying to get some paperwork done before my internet connection goes away for the morning. I'm really exhausted, though, and thoughts of going back to bed are on my mind. I'm OP with food, which I'm grateful for.

Matilda, I hope you enjoy your church function. I'm not great at new groups, either, but I went to the church stuff long enough now to feel comfortable. You're not alone here as you deal with your parents issues. It is very difficult.

Ruth, glad to hear that the pancakes won't present temptation. I love them but don't eat them when we're out...only at home.

Linda, how nice that Audrey wants your pumpkin bread. It's a better choice than cupcakes, in my opinion.

Ok, I think napping is winning over working.

Have a great day everyone!

Good morning Fat Tuesday has never been part of family celebrations so it passes right under my radar. It's fun hearing what all of you are doing
Today is my crazy busy day of the week (next week there will be 2 of those ). The snow yesterday added another layer of running around so I'll probably end up with close to 300 miles of driving and won't get home until 10ish. I hope it will be a fun afternoon/evening anyway. I got a lecture from my PTA yesterday about sticking to my scheduled appointments. Have to work harder at keeping me a priority the next two weeks.

Today will be the first real challenging day of my spring challenge. I need to stick to the regular number of meals and avoid the constant snacking that have become a part of my long days. Time to re-establish my old good habits in my new crazy work days!

Okay, gotta run. Have a good day friends.

Good morning, ladies! Feeling good having another day under my belt. I feel like something has shifted in my noggin' that I'm more focused on days and what I can do rather then weight loss targets. It's good for me. I feel super with no bread. I always do. Heading to the gym this morning for lower body weights and I'll hopefully have some time later this afternoon to do some cardio in the evening. What's this almond, soy milk everyone is talking about? I' m not a milk drinker and prefer to get my dairy in with yougurt but I'm curious! Going to the grocery store with honey today. He might want lunch out. Hopefully I can find a place to stay on plan! More on that later!

Good morning, Cyndi and Kristen.

Kristen, they are several brands and types of milk alternatives, and they are usually found packaged in cardboard containers on the shelves in most food stores. My favorite is the Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk. You can choose from soy, rice, almond, hemp, and probably some other varieties, too.

Cyndi, have a safe day driving around, and I hope it goes by quickly!

Hello from school!

I peeked in earlier and answered some PM's but then I got a phone call from another teacher asking if I'd do her early bus duty today. I rushed around to get to school on time and found that my colleague doesn't even HAVE early duty today - it's next week. So now I have a minute to say hello before my students arrive.

Oops, they're here already. I'll try to stop back in later on. Enjoy your Tuesday friends!

Good Morning Everyone!

Got a phone call from my Mom yesterday. She makes me crazy! How do you deal with stresses you can't avoid. I usually eat to cope...Oops! Can't do that anymore. Did great this time, but want to have something ready in the back of my mind for next time. Any ideas?

On a brighter note... My son got his first interest letter from a college yesterday. He is a junior. He does Shot-put, Discus and Javelin. Woohoo! I need to start walking that track while he is throwing. I don't want to embarrass him when and if coaches come to visit. He says it really doesn't bother him, but I know it must.

I plan on having a great day! Hope everyone else does as well!

Sharona

Hi Sharona and to 3FC and to our Daily Chat. My Mother used to drive me nuts too. I started punching sofa cushions after talking to her and found it helped. (I wonder if my daughter does the same now.)

Good morning!!

Yesterday was so crazy I didn't even make it on here. The funny thing is I can't tell you why. I guess it was just one of those days where I was running a little behind.

I am trying to give up Diet Coke. I was a serious drinker and I want to try life without it. That being said I woke up with a nice big headache today. I assume it is from the lack of caffine.

I am part of the crowd that does not celebrate Fat Tuesday. But for those who do have a blast.

Happy Tuesday!!

Jasmine

Good morning.

Claire - How was Pilates? I have not been in almost a year and miss it. Is it mat work or with the machines.

Heidi - Hope you enjoyed your day off. I have so many sweetener abstinence thoughts!

Rose and Natasha - We never tried very hard to figure it out so it will remain one of life's great mysteries. Chalked it up to some teen antics.

Sharona - Always room for another chick! Glad to have you join us. How about a bit of exercise to blow off steam? Exciting for your son; mine's a senior so I am very into the college thing right now.

TallandThin - Stick it out for a while. Strength training is so good for us. I'm pretty sure I never like exercise when I'm doing it but love it when I'm done.

Debbie - I agree with yesterday's sentiment.

Ruth - Great news from the doctor.

Matilda - I missed that it was Fat Tuesday. Good think I get some news on this thread Sorry that you are finding it so hard with your parents. My husband has certainly changed roles with his mom and it is tough on him.

Cyndi - I am already feeling the accountability from the challenge and think I might add more goals!

Kristen - Lunch out is easier for me than dinner out for some reason. Maybe you can find a salad with some lean protein and dressing on the side.

Jasmine - What a pretty name! I gave up Diet Coke, or maybe it was Tab actually, back in college. That caffeine is tough. Hang in there, withdrawal will pass.

I'm having weird technology issues with my blog so will spend time today fretting over them since I know I will never be able to figure out what is going on. Sigh. Love blogging but it sometimes brings a lot of extra frustration. DH is taking his mom to a doctor appointment today so I'll have the house to myself. We are expecting thunderstorms so it might be a "curl up with a book" day.

Have a great day everyone. BBL

Good morning,

Well yesterday started off at work and then got a call from school DD2 was running a fever so ended up working from home in the afternoon. Kept DD2 home today as well still running a fever. Strange start of a cold, never seen the fever run this long before normally 24 hours and then it starts.

Off to pick up DH at the airport after work today, it will be nice to have him home again.

I am with the group that doesn't celebrate Fat Tuesdays so for those that are enjoy your day.

Okay back to work Have a great day

Well, change of plans...meeting some friends for lunch and I get to pick the place. Good for me but I haven't a clue where to go for the best choices for me.???? UGh! Anyone know the Plymouth, MA area for healthy yummy lunches?? Looking for a sitdown place not sandwichy.

I decided to stay up and am still working on my rescue group paperwork. I've logged 5 hours so far today. I think that's why I refer to myself as a professional volunteer.

Pearlrose, I hope DD2 starts feeling better.

Jasmine, is your uncle showing any improvement?

Welcome, again, to our newcomers to the daily thread!

Gotta go make my smoothie!