Yeah, ok, I know it's Monday but maybe it will be good anyway! How are you all doing today? I'm up early this morning to clean for the cleaning lady (I know, sounds insane, doesn't it?). Those toys just get everywhere and no matter how often we pick them up, we keep finding more in really odd places. I can't wait until Aaron is old enough to really do this on his own. I stepped on a plastic green pepper last night while taking a midnight trip to the potty. Ouchie!

We're starting our first official week of classes this week. Last week the rest of the district started, and all of the early childhood staff were involved in preschool screening and testing. So now I am officially swamped. I'm glad about it, though, because being busy really does make time go by faster and keep me happier. I had an open house last week for my Kindergarten Optioners (those kids who are old enough for kindergarten but whose parents want them to wait an extra year) and everyone was very lovely except one family. I said hello to the little boy and he screamed in my face so loudly I thought my eardrum would split. Then he ran away. Meanwhile, his mom is saying loudly, in front of all the other parents and kids and everyone, that her employers are just @sses, and how her husband behaves when he gets drunk. I'm not thinking I want too many parent get-togethers. These poor parents looked kind of shocked!

As far as other classes, I've got two three-year-old Mommie and Me and one Four-Year_old Mommie and Me, as well as a three year old preschool class and my Kindergarteners. Should be fun -- I do love those ages.

In the classes I'm taking, I've got two huge projects due right in the beginning of the year (like this week and next week) which I did on purpose so I can then cruise the rest of the semester. So after the initial crunch, it should be smooth sailing for me.

Wow, I can go on and on in the morning, can't I? I suppose I better get in the shower so I can get Aaron and I out of the house for Toni to come clean.

How about a quick question of the day? Here's one...we've asked similar ones, but I think this one is a little different: What are your favorite comfort foods? You know, the ones your mom made for you when you were little and now you make when it's rainy out or you need a boost? Mine are pea soup, potato casserole, and spaghetti. I'm forever looking for healthier ways to make all of these so that they don't just kill me pointswise. When I was lowcarbing I couldn't have any of them, and that was kind of hard for me.

There I go on and on again. Ok Jayne, get your sorry long-winded butt in the shower!!!

Morning Jayne! I totally understand cleaning for the cleaning lady. I used to babysit for a lady who had ME do this. I thought it was funny b/c she would pay me extra and then of course the cleaning lady Well it worked for me. Sounds like you will be crazy busy. I cannot imagine working, going to school and being a mom and wife. You are Wonderwoman!

Well TOM came this morning and I am feeling DRAINED! I feel like I could crawl into bed and sleep all day. I am on Day 4 of being OP! Yay. I weighed this am just to prove to myself that this program works and I weighed the same but that is with TOM so I am thinking that in 3 days of the new program I lost at least a couple of lbs. I will find out on Friday for sure. I really LOVE the flex points. I used 6 so far which I thought was good considering that was on a wknd. I like starting the week on a Friday for that reason. YOu are a bit more conscientious with your flex b/c you still have the week ahead of you so you are less tempted to blow all of them on the wknd. Make sense??? Ok I am rambling I also exercised for the past 3 days. I am telling you guys all of this b/c I haven't been motivated for SO long (appx since my wedding 6months ago) and I know that coming here and listening to ALL of you rave about the new program is what got me on track! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

My comfort food is Spaghetti! MMMMM I get hungry just thinking about it. Of course chocolate is always a great comfort to me, especially No Bake Cookies. Ok new subject

Today my goals are to stay on Target (hit my target points), walk during lunch and ride bikes with DH this afternoon. Ok ladies I am off!

BBL

Hey all,

I had an excellent weekend eating wise, I did overindulge (but with the flex points I was okay) in FRiday night, and used 1 flex point yesterday. I have 13 left which is very good... It's weird, in the ranges I always stayed in the middle while I was losing weight, but now we have flexpoints, I tend to use them all up. I am hoping for a loss this week.

My hip measurement has gone up, but I am wondering if it's just the initial starting back with weight training, since my waist is down to 29" (my goal is 27.5"). I went clothes shopping this weekend, I am still in the single digits, but am having a heck of a time with pants.. Many fit my waist/hips but not my thighs argh!!
Just because my legs aren't skinny (they never have been)

I am taking a weight training class and an advanced aeobics class after work today!

Jayne: nothing worse than being bored at work, it sounds like you love what you're doing though! Don't worry picking up for the cleaning lady is quite common!

Becky: Congrats on finding your motivation.

Kirsty : if you're around, how is the new job going? Have you started yet?

Take care!

Ali

Not much going on around here. I have been pretty much on program since Saturday, using flexpoints. My baby got tubes Friday so I did some emotional eating. She has had an ear infection for almost 2 months and has been on 5 different antibiotics, so I was glad to get the tubes. I just hope they help her. She will be nine months this month.

I am determined to get some more exercise in this week since it is going to be a beautiful week. A lot cooler!

Well, talk to you all later,

Morning!

Jayne - I'm tired just listening to you. Your dedication to so many small children amazes me. I could never, ever, in a million years do your job........without landing in jail or something......I'd have probably screamed right back at that kid! (Yeah - I'm so adult!)

Becky - so whatever happened with the purse/bag?

Belle - Sorry about the diagnosis sweetie but I am glad that you have one. At least now you know why you've been having so many problems lately.

Ali - Where do you take your work-out classes? They sound like fun.

Crystal - hope your daughter is starting to feel better.


Comfort foods: Pork Chops & Rice and Baked Spaghetti. My 2 childhood favorites. Pork Chops and Rice is easy to eat and not blow points but not my Baked Spaghetti!

Sounds like everyone is enjoying flex points. I know I am. Only, I find myself hoarding points so that I have those extras "just in case". I finally made myself eat some of them over the course of this past week but still have 22 left and it is my last day. WI tonight and I'm not looking forward to it - I hate having WI in the evenings.

I had a wonderful weekend. Friday night we went to a couple's shower for a couple we know getting married in a few weeks and despite the wedding conversations, I didn't beat my head against a wall or run screaming from the room. Saturday, CB convinced me to spend the morning cuddling in bed and then I only had to work 6 hours. While I was gone, he mowed the lawn and did several loads of laundry. That evening he took me out for sushi - I'd never had it before. Yesterday I spent the day working around the house and reading a book. I feel like I accomplished so much!

I need to work but will check back later to see how everyone's weekend was.

My Comfort foods: Kraft Dinner (Macaroni and Cheese), My mom's spaghetti, chicken in creme sauce, ravioli... They seem to be it, I used to love them.

Laura: I take the classes at my gym, which is really close to work. I like them though... am trying to get back some of the muscle definition that I have lost and hope my toosh shrinks in the process.

Honey: ouch, I had chronic ear infections when I was a baby/kid as well, I still get them frequently, I hope she's okay!

Take care!

Ali

Ali~ A lot of jeans are made very slim in the thighs nowadays so don't be discouraged Your classes sound fun.

Laura~ CB sound WONDERFUL!!! I love when DH helps out and helps me take care of myself with rest or whatever I may be needing. He definitely sound like a keeper. I did end up getting t he COOLEST bag. I love it!! DH was going to get me the one at Marshalls but at the last minute I decided that I wanted to try one more place and we did and I got an $80 bag for $25 and it is great. We had a really nice wknd together too. Shopping bonds us

Crystal~ Sorry about the baby I hope she feels better ASAP. Good job staying on program!

Ok I have some questions most of which are completely unrelated to one antother

1. Can anyone tell me how to cook lamb chops AND some good sides to serve with them? (Dh's b-day is a week from today and I am thinking a romantic dinner at home would be nice)

2. Do you have to use all of your flex points?

3. I am making stuffed peppers for the first time tonight. Do you need a side dish? If so what are some possibilities?

Thanks in advance ladies!!!! BTW Isn't it funny that Italian foods seem to be an overwhelming theme as far as comfort foods are concerned. Just an observation. YUMMY!

Hi everyone - I'm still around but still no time to actually post. Things should be better next week. I miss you all!!
KT
PS - homemade mac and cheese was the best when I was little

Hi All! I am with KT - super busy to day getting ready for my 4-day road trip (work!). I might be online for a bit on Wednesday, so I might pop in. Other wise, I'll see you all next week.

Have a good OP week!

Belle

Hey all. I worked out this morning and weighed again. Still down 7 pounds, so I think it stuck, as long as I don't screw up and gain it back!!! That is the most I have EVER lost in a week and this is my forth start at WW, with 2 pregnancies mixed in there.

Also, I am a soda addict. So I discovered that Country Time Lemonaid is 4 points for 32 ounces. That is way better than soda (I don't do diet). Plus it is non-carbonated, so it can go towards my water. Yummmmm.

Belle, I had a friend that had an ovarian cyst. Tho we have grown apart, so I don't know how she is now, she is PG with her second child. Her cyst was very painful, she went on BC pills to help that. Remember that you have 2 ovaries, so if you lose 1, you still have another functioning ovary for child bearing. Keep your chin up!!

As for me, I have a funky mole on my arm that has been changing. Really scares me since cancer runs in my family. When I was PG I mentioned it to my doctor and she says that can happen while PG, well I am not PG anymore and it is getting weirder looking. I take Kate in on Wednesday for her 4 month appointment and I am going to point it out again. This has been bothering me for weeks!

Also, hubby and I are tossing around opening a shop, tho we don't have any start up money.... so we are dreaming for the future, tho hubby is pushing for it now.... ughhhhhh. So I am scared about that because it is something new.

Hey all
Everyone's probably gone by now but I've only had a chance to lurk so far...

Had an excellent weekend, went to my friend's Jimmy Buffett part on Saturday so I danced in the sand all night long.... Felt great cuz the little red hawaiian print dress I found on clearance fit PERFECTLY and I felt so cute in it! Love that feeling.

I am so completely ready for the weekend again, but apparently I've got 4 more days till then! Oh well

Jayne - good job on keeping your cool even when getting screamed at! People like that drive me nuts, especially when the parents don't say a thing to the kid!

Becky - woo hoo on feeling OP!

Ali - I'm impressed with the weight training AND aerobics class - both in one night would leave me totally exhausted!

Hi Crystal, KT, Belle, Jen!!

Oh yeah - comfort foods - Love chicken & noodles, and does pizza count?

Back to work, only an hour left.... sigh...

Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I may not be able to post personally everyday (to each one of you) So please forgive me if I don't. I am quite busy as of late. I hope to hang around for a while though.

Jen - thanks for your encouragement - I know it could go a lot of different ways, but it's scary to be 27 and find out things might not go as "planned". You know, we all think we'll just get married and have kids - simple as that.I can' t see my doc til next week as I'll be in the field all week - blech! Congrats on the 7lbs down!! That is awesome. How do you like the flexpoints program?

Becky - BAD TOM!! Hey, I love stuffed peppers, let me know how they go!

Hi Jayne, Ali, Laura Angie, Crystal, et al....

Well, have a good OP day tomorrow. I'll try to get online tomorrow and see what everyone is up to!!