It's 3:17 in the a.m. and I'm at work... Guess what we found out--we're 8 days behind schedule, so that means 8 extra night shifts. I'll probably be working nights until the end of October. I'm right back where I started (this time) on WW, but I've established a schedule and am getting the eating back under control. Let me tell you ladies, this outage thing is a real ego-booster. I've met 2 (cute!) guys and there's another who wants to ask me out. Who knew I was such a man magnet? (I don't think it's me, I think they're just horny).

Anyway... Do you guys have any idea how much I've been missing you? I'm starting to fit more comfortably into this position that I'm filling temporarily. Speaking of different work positions, do you guys remember when I was stressing about the job that I've kind of already been picked for? Well, I applied for it and I'm really glad that I did because it's the job I've been doing for the last couple of weeks and I really like it. I interview for it tonight at 5:30. I'm kind of nervous, but not too bad--I kind of feel like there's no such thing as a bad interview unless you TOTALLY botch it up, and I'm pretty confident that I won't do that. (Laura, I knew you'd be happy to hear that!) If they offer it, I'll definitely take it.

So, let's talk about Scrapbooking. Yes, I do sell Close To My Heart products and we recently came out with an absolutely awesome way for beginner scrapbookers to get started. We have these kits called "My Creations" kits. They come with 4 pre-printed pages, die cuts, papers, page protectors, everything you need to start scrapbooking. When you get more advanced, there's a second level that includes stamps and papers (for people who feel comfortable stamping in their scrapbooks). Then, there's Level 3, for people who are ready to add embellishments like ribbon, eyelets, and stuff like that. These programs sort of ease you into scrapbooking and help you to add more as you learn more and get more comfortable. I really wish that there would have been some kits like this when I started scrapbooking--my scrapbook would be a lot cooler. If you're interested in learning more, just drop me an email at [email protected] and I'll tell you more or send a catalog, if you'd like.

Things here are still OK. Aaron is still living with me and it's getting harder everyday--I miss my independence. But, I'm helping him and I know he appreciates it so I stick it out. I'm making tons of money with all the overtime, so I'm happy about that and I work with two super-sweet ladies and that makes it easier. The only thing I'm not happy with right now is how lazy working nights makes me. I sleep for hours and hours and literally am only out of bed long enough to get ready for work and go to work. So, there's not much exercising going on. A lady here at work and I circle the building a couple of times, which is only about a 1/2 mile, but at least it's activity. Plus, I'm always running up and down the stairs at this job, so that helps a little.

Anyway, just thought I'd say hello and pop in. I'll stop in again soon (hopefully tonight!!). I miss you guys!!

Jess

Morning, Jess...you sound like, in spite of the hardships, you're kind of enjoying working nights, or at least the change of pace. And ladies, can I just say that Jess is my CTMH dealer, and the stuff is so neat. If nothing else, at least order a catalog, because it at least shows you pictures of ideas and tells you where to begin.

Everyone else, sorry I've been MIA so long. Work is just eating up more and more time, as are the classes I'm taking. I was filling out my timecard yesterday and realized I'm working 35 hours per week, plus taking 8 grad level credits. I was getting really down on myself for not being able to keep it all together before I did that math, but now I'm just proud and happy that my family has clean clothes to wear and clean dishes to eat off of. We also went this weekend to my Grandpa's 92nd birthday party (I thought of Jen and Tonya as I passed by south of you on 90). It was nice to see my family -- there have been 3 new babies since I've last been home, so it was nice to see them. I had a terrible cold, so I didn't get to take them away from their mothers and hog them, as I am so prone to doing but I at least got to see them.

Little Aaron (not Jess's Aaron ) is a complete turkey these days. Every time I do something he approves of, he tells me, "Good boy, Mommy." And things he doesn't approve of get a, "Be nice, Mommy!"

I still have kept stable weight or lost each week so far of the pg (I'm on week 11) so I'm happy with that. Of course the morning sickness helps, doesn't it?

Well, you crafty bunch of ladies (knitting, scrapbooking, crocheting, all things I love to do too) I have a day off school today, so I will be around to answer some posts!!

Jess! You man magnet you! I am so proud of you for applying for the job. I'd wish you luck at the interview, but you don't need luck, you have the skills necessary and a great personality, you'll blow them away in the interview. Please, please, please, let us know how it goes!

Haven't really had a chance to read all the posts from the last several days - busy at work. Sounds like you have been discussing knitting and scrapbooking from what I can tell. I'm the least creative person on the face of the planet so I'll bow out of that conversation.

I'm frustrated because the scale has virtually gone no where in the last 2 weeks. I'm journaling like a mad woman and according to my records I'm not going over points. I'm eating calcium, veggies, working out and if I drink more water I will float away! So very frustrating. I'll keep on keeping on. If not to lose weight, at least I'm fueling my work-outs by making healthy choices rather than working out to work off bad choices.

I have a topic of discussion for today. I don't automatically find other people who are overweight unattractive. I can find something attractive about almost everyone (except nasty, nasty personality people who would be unattractive regardless of weight). You are all intelligent and compassionate women so I'll bet that you to don't automatically find someone unattractive because they are fat or have a weight problem. So, why is it that we find ourselves so unattractive if we carry around a few (or a lot) of extra pounds?

I seriously want to know why we each do this to ourselves (and admit it - most of us do). So answer my question or I'll sic Jayne and her whoopa$$ on you!

Jayne - You work full time, go to school, care for your husband, child and home all while suffering morning sickness? Exactly what color is your cape superwoman? Glad to see you! Aaron sounds like he is quite his own little man these days.

Hey all,

I have been living with one of my roomates for 1.5 years and the other for 4 months... I think I am driving her crazy and I don't mean to, but even though I have been doing so much to fix a lot of her criticisms (another fault, I am a hardcore people pleaser), it just doesn't seem to be enough... and then I do something else to tick her off again (not intentionally, yesterday morning I threw on a load of laundry, it woke her up and she let me have it, I apologized twice, but kept *****ing to my other roomate about it all day.... if I knew it would have bothered her I wouldn't have done it obviously.)... She criticizes a lot of the things I do to and it hurts... She makes me and my roomate feel bad about our family backgrounds (we had it easy bla bla bla), she makes me feel bad about my job (again saying I have it easy.. I worked hard to get it and I am trying to move up which isn't easy ), about not exercising enough, about forever watching what I eat (including still going to WW)... Sorry to rant... I'll only be living with her for three more months... anyway to tell her to tactfully keep some of her opinions to herself? Any suggestions how to live harmoniously (I have been trying to accomendate her as much as possible). I am trying to be more careful about what I say near her too. My BF even was going to suggest that she moved in with us if she couldn't find a roomate, but then guessed I didn't want her too (I don't like talking to my BF about any problems I have with roomates, but last night my other roomate told him a bit what was going on, so I told him about yesterdays fight.. I was very diplomatic but I said "I like her, but I don't think it would work").. Sorry to rant ladies... I actually wanted to sit down with both my roomates a few months back and lay down what were our expectations from each other... neither seemed inclined to do that. I just want everything to be harmonious without too much resentment (I am such a libra).


Laura: I think part of the problem here is along with being intelligent and compassionate is that I know for myself I am a bit of a perfectionist and set very high standards for myself... I don't think I am alone on that either. and it's silly, my BF doens't have the perfect body, but even though I am a size up from where I want to be, I sometimes wonder why he puts up with my 5-10lb yo-yoing. yet he stills tells me I am beautiful, gorgeous, pretty, smart and amazing... I don't think it bothers him. It's cool though he used to weigh near 300lbs and has lost 70 and I have had a large weight loss too... before we even met!!

What also messed me up about my weight, was a morning show I saw when I was a pre-teen.. It discussed how obese women (I was obese back then too), had lower paying jobs, were more likely to be single etc etc... I guess I believed it. How dumb eh!

Jayne: I am glad everything seems to be going well... Your aaron seems so cute!

Jess: you are a man magnet!! remember that

Wow, that was a novel!

Take care!

Ali

Morning Ladies! It must be the morning of novels Lots of fun stuff to read. Which reminds me Jayne, I finished "East of Eden". I absolutely loved it and plan to read it again soon!

Well last night I got home late from work and was starving. When I walked in the door DH said "ok lets go". I'd forgotten that we had to go to his grandmothers and pick something up from his uncle before 8pm. She lives about a 1/2 hour away SO by the time we ate dinner it was 8:30 and we got Middle EAstern food which was a healthy choice HOWEVER I was famished and pigged out on bread. Not a good WWer night. I did work out this morning though and have packed a grilled chicken salad for lunch SO today should be much better.

Jayne~ Aaron sounds so cute. I am so glad the pg is going wonderfully. Sounds like things are ultra busy. They are for us too now that I am teaching a class and I can't imagine having a child also. I agree that you are wonderwoman.

Ali~ She sounds a bit ridiculous. You shouldn't have to apologize for doing laundry OR for your upbringing. If she is not willing to talk about it I would just do your own thing and if that upsets her let her know that she is being unreasonable.

Jess~ Glad the night shift is going ok. Independance is a great thing. Hope you get yours back soon.

Laura~ Sorry that the scale is being so evil. ARe you getting less activity during the day or something?? I know those stand stills are frustrating. Good luck.

Well Back to work for me I will BBL.

Hey all... I did OK yesterday for points. Hubby is still sick. And I am leaving him home alone with both kids tonight. He will be in charge of getting them both in bed. YIKES. I do it all the time and it is hard work. Our house is usually a zoo at night. And when it is bath night, watch out (last night). I will be home for dinner, then have a meeting at 6:30. So at least I will know that my kids ate. I will also leave him a bottle for Kate, so he should be set. But getting Emma into bed is the tough part. First have to read stories, then go potty, then brush teeth, then into bed, then argue about why she needs to stay in bed. Oh and prayers too. She is really good for me lately, but that is because she is into the girl thing and mommy is a girl, daddy is a boy! Cute.

Ali, some people aren't meant to live with others. Sounds like your roommate is one of those. Since you know you have only 3 months left, I would grin and bare it and count down the days.

Oh Jess, thanks for the info... check your email!

Jayne, I miss being PG and talk about it all the time. But then the next day I am a mess trying to take care of 2 little ones and wonder how people can have kids less than a year apart... and how some people can handle 5 kids! YIKES. I know someone who had 5 kids in 7 years and all before she turned 30. Amazing!

OK, best get some work done... or I could dwaddle until lunch time. I am going shoe shopping for some black loafer/dressy comphy shoes. Can you believe that my pair completely disappeared. How can that happen?? So I need some bad!

Ali - Hit your roomate with a brick! O.k. I've never lived with one so maybe I shouldn't offer advice, but it seems to me that sharing living space in peace requires 2 parties to make it work. I'd say you are doing your fair share. Consider that the fault is not with you - she may just be someone who is not happy unless she can be unhappy about something.

Becky - hate evenings where you are so busy that you don't really get to relax. Hope tonight is more relaxing. My activity level is the same as before and I figure lack of movement in 2nd job will be offset by the increase in training as I get closer to the race. I honestly can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.

JenL - you are a good wife. I would have left the baths for tonight when hubby is in charge! Have fun shoe shopping. It is the one form of shopping that I love.

Morning everyone!
Today started my new commute. Now I pick up my brother and his 6 year old and drop her off at daycare before heading to work. It's great because now we leave early enough to deal with the possibility of a temper tantrum (that child really knows how to throw a fit) and it means I'm getting to work early - which I love!! The past year I've been getting here right on time or 5 minutes late and it throws my whole day off. But my cereal for breakfast is not holding me. I'll have to find something healthy for morning coffee break.
Jess - so nice to hear from you!! You kick it at that interview! That job is yours.
Jayne - glad to hear you're doing so well. Does Aaron know he has a brother or sister coming yet?
Laura - I know what you mean about the whole "attractive" thing. I try not to beat myself up about things, I started my weight loss journey when I was in a stable 4 year relationship and I did it for me and my health. BF at the time had no idea why I would want to lose weight because I looked great to him. Now I do it so I can buy clothes at "regular" stores instead of plus size stores. And I agree, there is almost always something attractive about everyone you meet.
Ali - I agree with Jen - it's just 3 more months. Then again, talking things out might lift some stress and make those 3 months a little more tolerable.
Becky - Middle East food sounds yummy! Of course, I'd have gone crazy with the bread too.
Jen - Sounds like a busy night for your hubby. Hope it's not too hard on him - but remember, you do it every night.
OK, off to get some stuff done. I'll try to check back.
KT

Becky: I don't think she means to criticize, I think she just tends to compare and doesn't like where she's at right now, while I on the other hand see myself on a good path. I don't think she necessarily appreciates my cheer leader attitude sometimes either. I know I am an optimist... but I don't think it's a bad thing. But regardless, I don't like to be made to feel guilty over stuff.

Jen: my mom was kind of like that... 4 kids within 5 years of each other... the youngest born when my mom was 29.. I still don't see how she did it (my brother Nick and I are Irish twins).. You're right though... it could also be a clash of personalities as well.. I know I am not perfect by any means either... but I think she'd be better off with a like-minded roomate or on her own... She's not a bad person or anything.

Hmmm anyone to give this a stab... my bf's aunt just emailed me out of the blue to make sure my BF is doing okay (since his mom's death)... should I contact my BF about it and mention it before emailing her back?

take care!

Ali

Ali - I say yes, check with BF or give her a general, he's fine thanks and let him know that she was asking after him and you let her know he's doing OK. Of course, if he's having a hard time, check before you e-mail her. It's funny because the aunt could be asking because she's concerned or she could be asking because she's a busy body. That would change how to respond to her.
KT
PS - Irish twins? Does that mean 9 months between you?

Laura~ I hope that I didn't come accross as if I were saying you are doing something wrong. Sorry if I did because I don't think that is the case at all. I am sure you will see the results of your work. Scales are just annoying sometimes and of course with all of the additional exercise for the marathon you could be building some muscle

Ali~ I would definitely ask b/f b/c I think that will give him added confidence in your relationship knowing that you don't just blab about the private emotions that he may share with you. Good luck.

Kt~ I am having the same problem with my breakfast b/c I eat about an hour earlier than usual so by 11am I am famished. If you think of a great idea let me know Sometimes Granola bars work for me.

Jen~ I am going to the library to snag a book on knitting

Well I will bbl. So far my day is going according to plan with my points

KT: I've met his Aunt before... doesn't seem like a busy body and she really does seem concerned (he has a very close-knit extended family, plus his family is VERY open)... I think I will mention it to my BF first though, and tell him what I will tell her.

Irish twins technically is 9 months, but now it usually means two kids less than 18 months apart... we're 14 months apart. And we're very close.

Take Care!

Ali

Becky: Thanks! You guys are great!

Laura: If you're doing A LOT of training, I know this might sound weird, but add 2 points a day without the activity points or using flex points... you might be suprised! also, it could just be a blip... Sometimes our bodies just do that, no explanation or anything.

Take care!

Ali

Hey gals, not ime to chat. Its been another busy week. I didn't do so well on the weekend with going home & mylittle bro's b-day. I was 2.8up at WI. I know some of it is water b/c I'm PMSing hardcore but still disappointing none the less. Yesterday I used a bunch of flex points but today I'm way ahead of the game. I'm going to have a super week b/c Canadian Thanksgiving is around the corner & we're going to be away so we won't even get to chose what we're eating really. I have a slow work day today working only 3 hours. Nice slow day but not so good for the pocket book. Plus my first client isn't until 5pm. Ohwell. Anyway I've got tons to do before then. Sorry no time to post properly. Just thought I should let you all know I'm still around. Have a great OP day!