Wow! After Carol's colorful welcome - who can resist posting?

Well, its still raining here!! Once again, though, my side of the city has escaped the really bad stuff. I heard the thundering in the distance most of the night but my place was dry as a bone when I left. Course it didn't take me long to run into the wet stuff, but it was all pretty light and I made it to work with no problems. Yesterday afternoon when I left work for home, the sun was shining and it was gorgeous but the rain bands came on shore again shortly after midnight and that's when it started up again. Looks like you girls in Louisiana and even Janet in Mississippi are catching some of this rain stuff now, too.

Beth - Your son's side of the city really got most of the rain yesterday and there was some flooding. This a.m. it seems to be mostly the southwest side of town but who knows what the day will bring! More rain, that's for sure. Patti of this group is Nawlins Lady but I am not sure exactly where she lives in the city. We have not heard from her in a few days - hopefully she will check in soon & fill you in on the details. Your teaching job sounds really challenging - I know you are ready for summer break. JanetMae (Jan) of this group is going back to teaching after being in an administrative position for a while. I used to teach, too - about a hundred years or so ago! Taught high school English for about 5 years in the late 60's, early 70's. It was hard to keep a teaching position since my ex-dh was in the Army and we moved every year during the Viet Nam crisis. I finally just stopped trying. Somewhere along the way I fell into the legal field and that's where I still am. My daughter is 28, her fiance is 26 - she likes those "younger men"!

Carol - Let us know when you have more details on the surgery. I am so sorry you are having to deal with all this. Hang in there!

Joyce - Glad you are back. I know that your Mom's words made you feel good - like you are doing the right thing. After having to place my Dad in a nursing home the last six months of his life, I know how miserable I felt knowing that we couldn't care for him at home but that he sure wasn't happy there either. It's a double-edged sword, that's for sure, and one our generation is really having trouble with handling. But you do the best you can and try to live with your decisions. That's really all we can do.

Merri - CONGRATULATIONS!! on your 3 pound loss - but you need to stay away from that other stuff or you won't have another nice loss next week! Good going on the loss - you just keep on keeping on!!!

Gotta go girls. We are having some serious lightening so will shut down. Will try to get back later.

Good morning!
Guess I will just enjoy our warm weather, I prefer it to the stormy stuff you girls in the South are getting!

Merri I agree, that rymsh is a great inspiration with her 97 pounds! I think Jan is about the same, if I remember right, I know she is almost to her goal!

Beth I am a retired teacher, I taught at a State Developmental Center for 25 yrs. Teaching Landscape maint. to the Dev. disabled was a real challenge, but LOTs of fun! I had 1 1/2 acres for my classroom....which included a fruit orchard of about 40 trees, and a seasonal vegetable garden, as well as roses and potted plants that we would sell at monthly sales. We also did a carwash twice a week, washing state vehicles.
It got really stressful when the State and the School district, for which I taught, did not agree on how things should happen, at that same time the granddaughters that we are raising got to be teenagers, I needed to be home more, and I was old enough to retire early, so I did!! and I have never regretted it, I have been so busy!

Must stop and get these girls out the door! Only 1 more week of school.

~~~~
Joyce

Hi Ladies,

I just wanted y'all to know that I haven't floated away in all this rain!! I have been extremely busy. On Monday I worked all day at the Edison Electric Institute Conference which was sponsored by Entergy, the company that I work for. Then I had a training class on Wednesday, and Tuesday I had to work, work, work, to make up for being out. I still have not gone back to WW. I haven't gained any though, but then again, haven't lost any I guess it will just be cheaper to rejoin.

Still haven't gotten DS's car back. Although I am kind of glad that he doesn't have to be driving in this weather. Wish I didn't even have to!!

Carol - I am still praying for you. Please try to keep your spirits up!! With all of these positive thoughts going your way - I know it will be OK!!

Joyce and Jan - I'm sooo sorry - but I JUST read your private messages, because I JUST figured out that I had them. DUH!!! That Natchez Cruise sounds great. Would you believe I have never done that. My DH and I always talk about it but have never done it. He probably won't be able to go that day - he will be working 7 a.m. til 3 p.m. Maybe I can convince him to get off a little early. I will call to make the arrangements after I talk to him tonight.

Beth - Yes we are neighbors. I really live on the Westbank in Marrero, but since it is about 5 minutes to N.O. and no one knows Marrero, I just say I'm from N.O. I WAS born there anyway. This weather has been awful!! I had to pick my son up from work on Tuesday night at 11:00 and when I left my house at 10:30 I thought there was a tornado outside. The wind was going in all directions, and it was raining so hard, I almost had to pull over.

I want to respond to everyone, but I really need to get to work, my desk is horrible right now.

I'll talk to everyone soon.

Bye,
Patti

Patti!
I hope you can make it!
You can give us more handy hints on where to go and what to see!
Don't worry if your dh cannot join you. Jan and I figure that our dh's will talk fishing while we get acquainted.
Beth, How are you doing today??
I am thinking about all those shrimp and crab cakes you made!!
What a challenge!
I feel one coming on, I feel like I really need to do some baking for all the company that we will have for dgd's graduation. Her sister and a couple of friends will be here for several days. I'm also making lots of food for 2 different parties. I usually do my munching during preparation, which is not good. But then I don't eat much during the party. wish me luck!

I told Linda that I will go with her tomorrow to weigh in, instead of Sat., her sis is getting married on Saturday, so she can't go then.

bye again,

~~~~~~~~~
Joyce

Good morning ladies!
I feel so great this morning! I resisted all the great food yesterday at the food fest!
I brought a big salad and some fruit and ate them right before everything started. I kept a bottle of water close, too. My husband went around tasting everything but I didn't dare leave my booth. I was sure if I saw what was being served I wouldn't be able to resist. I knew I would lose control at the first bite! The lady at the booth next to us (shrimp remoulade) handed us a sample to taste. I took it with plans to eat it (didn't want to be rude ). My diet angel must have been close by because it got knocked off the table and went on the floor!

Patti - How are you making out today with all of this rain? I lived on the Westbank for 10 years (Woodland West in Harvey). I was there for the infamous May 3rd flood. I know how badly that whole area floods when the rains start. Radar shows another bunch of it coming towards us. We flood, too, on the northshore but it is from overflowing rivers and streams. The floods usually get us AFTER the rain stops.

Lots of teachers and ex-teachers on this board. No wonder why you are such a special group of ladies!

Have a great OP day!
Beth

Happy Friday everyone!

It's been rainy here, but I believe I see the sun peeking through the clouds. I don't think we have had anywhere near the rain that Texaslady, Beth or Patti have experienced though. We have a few flash flood warnings...but nothing major.

Beth, you asked where I live in Mississippi. I live in Madison which is a suburb of Jackson...just a few miles north. Before my daddy passed away, my parents always had a vacation home on the coast. We spent lots of time in Pass Christian. We had friends who lived in New Orleans during the week, who would come to the coast for the weekend. The rest of the girls here know that New Orleans is one of my favorite places. I knew you would have lots in common with all the great ladies here, but I didn't realize how much. My sister-in-law is a teacher...does that count? We are so glad you have joined us...and congrats on resisting temptation at the food fest. I cracked up at your story of the sample that ended up on the ground.

Patti, I hope you aren't floating away yet. I think it's great that you and Beth are neighbors. I wonder if anyone else from Mississippi posts here. I've never noticed anyone. I didn't realize that you worked for Entergy. Is Louisiana the home office? I had noticed that my bills were mailed there, but never really thought much about it. I have several friends who work for Entergy here in Jackson. How is your DS adjusting to life after graduation? My DD hasn't slowed down long enough to notice the difference!

Texaslady, that's nice about Beth's son living so near to you. It's such a small world. I haven't checked the weather map today, but I hope you are getting a break from all the rain. I need to work in my yard so badly, but it is way too wet. Are you going to be helping your DD do any work on the house this weekend, or are they settled?

Jan, I watched the movie "Traffic" last night. It focused on the Mexican border and several of the scenes reminded me of where we crossed. I have a friend who is a DEA agent and it made me glad that he wasn't based there. It showed some scary stuff.

Carol, you are in my thoughts. I sent you an email, but I was so sleepy when I typed it now I can't even remember what I said. Enjoy your weekend and I will check on you soon.

Merri, way to go on that three pound loss. I have got to get my butt in gear, but I have been kind of coasting along lately. I did manage to lose about seven pounds in May, and I'm trying to weigh only once a month now. I had gotten obsessed with the numbers on the scales, instead of concentrating on how I looked and felt. When do you leave for New Orleans??

JOYce, I'm glad you enjoyed your visit with your mom and sis. That is wonderful that your mother is so happy where she is. I know that makes you feel good.

Well, a friend of mine who quit working in my office 16 years ago came back today. I have worked here for over 20 years and she and I have stayed in touch over the years, so it is really good to have her back. She hasn't changed a bit. Still as cute...and tiny...as ever! She feels a bit overwhelmed right now, so we are going to go to lunch together. Everyone have a wonderful weekend. I think I may go visit my friend again who I visited a couple of weekends ago. Maybe I will be able to hit her pool this time. Hi to everyone I missed. Later gator!

Janet (Kudzu)

TGIF EVERYONE! AND THE WORK DAY IS JUST ABOUT OVER! YIPPEE!!!

Janet - OK, OK - we'll let you count your sister-in-law and you can join the "teacher" club!! Glad you are not getting all the rain the Louisiana girls are getting. It actually hasn't rained here at the office all day. But there are really dark clouds all around us. It's so weird how the tropical storm rain bands just really douse one part of town and completely ignore another! Fortunately, I have been in the ignored area this time. There is still some to do at dd's house - mostly getting bedroom curtains up & such. She is having a yard sale tomorrow - hope she doesn't get rained out.

Patti - So glad you checked in! I was getting worried about you! Glad you are not gaining - even if you aren't losing. To me, not gaining is almost as important as losing. Its the only thing that keeps me going sometimes. Sorry about all the rain. This stupid storm is just sitting on top of us and won't move!!

Beth - Good for you resisting all that food! Sometimes Out of Sight, Out of Mind is the only way to go! Glad your diet angel was around, too! Maybe you could let her moonlight in Texas??????

Joyce - You be careful with all that baking! You have been doing really well these past few weeks. Don't sabatoge your efforts now! Get out your low point munchies to keep around while you are baking.

Carol - What's going on? I have been thinking about you. Still sending prayers and good vibes. Any word on the surgery yet? I know you are really bummed out about all this cr*p. Sending you lots of (((((((((hugs)))))))))! Check in when you can.

Gotta go, girls. Have a great week-end.

Hi everyone! TGIF!
I have to tell a funny story on myself. This morning I was getting ready for work (about 5AM) and had finished drying my hair. I have this hair spray that has a citrus smell, but as I sprayed it on my hair this morning I thought it smelled kind of funny. So, I looked at the container- and instead of picking up the hair spray, I had just sprayed my hair with Epil Stop hair remover!! Trust me on this- there is NOTHING on earth that will wake you up faster than realizing you've just sprayed hair remover on your head! I got it off real quick- thank heaven it doesn't work very fast!
Merri , congrats on the fantastic 3 pound loss, but about rewarding yourself afterwards with pizza and cheesecake... . Doing that sort of thing is what keeps us all making Weight Watcher's wealthy!!! Next time reward yourself by putting the money you would have spent on the pizza and cheesecake in a jar and save it towards a special outfit, or a massage, or a new hairdo- or whatever, as long as it's not a food reward! I don't mean to lecture- sorry. I've been on WW since Oct 99- doing it at home since Feb 2000- have been hovering around the -97 mark since Feb or so. I want to lose 20- 25 more- hopefully soon!!!!!
Beth, I have one married daughter, age 32, and a 17 month old grandson who is the joy of my life. I have been separated for 6 years, but my exdh and I are on good terms. I'm an R.N. and work in the office of an allergy and asthma specialist. My husband taught school for 25 years- does that count? And my dd teaches music. Congrats on your remarkable restraint at the food fest!! I loved the story about the shrimp jumping off the table to save you!
Joyce , I'm glad your mom is well and happy. What a relief that is for you!!! How are things with your sister's health? Are you up to your gills in fresh fish yet?
Texaslady , have you had to don your snorkle yet? It's lovely here today after a few dreary drizzly days- but nothing like what you've had! Will the weekend find you helping with the finishing touches on dd's home?
Patti, it sounds like you've been working too hard!! Good for you for not letting your weight get away fom you in the midst of it all! Will you have time to relax this weekend? When will ds's car be fixed?
Janet , your sweet email made lots of sense!!! How's the water doing in your area? I hope you enjoy the weekend with your friend- you are so fortunate to have such good friends!
Hi to Jan, Saara, Liz, Kendra, Stamps Rebecca and Linda!

I do want to thank you all for the continued thoughts , hugs and prayers- you have no idea how much it helps! This is going to be a long, stressful week- whatever the outcome, I just want this over so I know whether there's anything to worry about or not!

Well, I really need to run- have a great weekend, everyone!
Carol

Texaslady , it looks like we were posting at the same time- you answered all my questions before I even asked them! Thanks for the hugs- I needed that!
Carol

Carol...you MADE my day! I was sitting here reading with my mouth wide open...my eyes as big as saucers...and then I got so tickled I almost fell out of my chair. What a hoot!! Of course, I would NOT be laughing hysterically if this story had ended differently. I'm glad you were able to wash it off before anything happened. I knew where you were going with the story as I was reading, but I would have never guessed you were going to say you used hair remover. I agree with what you said...

I also loved the suggestion you gave to Merri about putting the money that she would have spent into a jar for a non-food reward. What a great idea!!

Texaslady, your wise wisdom to Patti really hit home with me. You said, "To me, not gaining is almost as important as losing." I have been eating so much the last few days. I really think TOM has something to do with my hunger. Your words helped me to realize that I have got to get a grip before I gain those seven pounds back that I lost in May. Those seven pounds don't sound like much, but if I can lose that small amount for 10 months, that will be 70 pounds gone...in case all you teachers out there couldn't figure that out!

Back to work...have a great weekend!

Janet (Kudzu)

Hey, everyone! I hope you haven't forgotten me!

I really do not know what has gotten into me lately. Been in kind of a funk, feeling like I am in the bottom of a hole and having a hard time crawling out of it. This is kind of unusual for me and I don't like it one bit.
So, like the analytical person that I am, I did a bit of soul searching and realized a couple of things
1. I haven't been wonderfully OP for quite a while so I was feeling bad about that.
2. It is about a year since stbx left. Even though I feel like I have adjusted to the single life relatively well maybe some of the old emotions are resurfacing.
3. Having had decided that I would like to enter the dating scene again, the old self esteme issues really are hiting me hard again. So of course that makes me eat all the more!

I apologize to eveyone for venting like this. Everyone here has always been so supportive. I have always felt that you all really "understood" in ways that even my closest friend doesn't (I love her dearly but she has never even had to try on a size larger than a 10 in all her 47 years)

I haven't had a chance to read all the older posts to catch up on the latest news about everyone. I do admit that I was roaring when I read Carol's latest though. Did you get it off your head in time?

Thanks for letting me vent. I have a lot of yardwork to do. I fond out that I really love my garden and look forward to working in it so there is a smile on my face right now.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

Liz

Good Morning Ladies!
I'm getting cabin fever with all of this rain! It is flooding here and I am hoping to get out in time to buy some groceries. I think we will be stuck in the house for a while. I need some more fruit, veggies and low point stuff. Doesn't look like this storm system is in a hurry to go anywhere.

Looks like I really started something with the teacher stuff. OK - You are ALL declared honorary teachers! (Don't get TOO excited - we don't get paid much! )

Carol - You had me falling off my chair laughing with that hair spray story!!!! I'd probably do the same thing at 5AM. My eyes don't open that early!

Liz - Welcome back! No apology needed. You are on the right track with your soul searching and getting back with the group. Keep that smile on your face and get back OP!

Hope everyone has a great OP weekend. One week from today dh and I are flying to Arizona. We will be renting a car and driving all around to see the sights. Hopefully it is NOT raining there!

Beth

I just got back from weigh in and was feeling really great! I lost 1.4 lbs.
Then I got to thinking about the 10% goal, and my 10 pound star etc.... and things just didn't add up.
they are doing very strange math down there!
Turns out that they are not subtracting from my original weight, but somehow, thru my gains and losses, I have gotten credit for losing more than I actually have.
I need to go back and talk to them. According to my calculations, I didn't deserve my 10 pound star!
Oh dear..
I'm going to go back and talk to the leader, she should be thru with the next group by the time I get there.

You would think I would have figured this out before now!
DUH!!
~~~~

Joyce

Hi Ladies....

I meant to write more before but didn't have time so here goes....

I just got back from helping out at my sisters camp and was outdoors all morning and got burnt on my arms and face - I am SOOO white!!! I'll have to start going tanning or I am going to be in some trouble when I go to New Orleans in a week - Ugh!!! I had a scare this past year because I was tanning so much last summer, they had to remove a mole because they thought it might be cancerious but it ended up being fine.... Thank God!!!

Kudzu I'm going to New Orleans on the 18th and coming back that Friday not staying too long, but that's probably a good thing - don't have too much cash to spend!! I wanted to be below 200 at this time, but I've been kind of lazy on the weight loss trail. I'm hoping to meet some sexy southern men while I'm there, sick of being single.

Carol Thanks for the idea on the money - I think what I might do is keep a Lifetime Member jar and put some money in it every week and wont spend it until I get to goal. I'm glad you got that epil stuff off your hair - I would have absolutely died!

Liz Here's a little smile for you .... I totally know where your coming from - I am in my mid-twenties and both of my best friends are wearing size 4's and 6's and whenever we go to clubs they are the first to be looked at while I feel like I am their "fat friend", even though I know they don't think that. When it comes to men I have the hardest time in finding one, but I have to say since I have been at WW I have increased my self esteem a whole bunch and have even caught a guys eye from time to time. Cheer up women because you can do it and we'll always be here to cry on or yell at if you need to!!!

Well, I better go... Hope you all are doing well this week!!

Merri
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