50 or more pounds #67
If you have 50 or more pounds to lose, jump on in and join us! You'll be sure to get a warm welcome!

What a hectic few days!! but we got the kid graduated, and partied hard!
Her friend flew back to Florida yesterday, so things are slowing down a bit.
I know I am up a bit , haven't had a chance to check in at WW. But will face the scale later this week, hopefully, I will walk off what I have added.
It is very hot these days, about 100 today.
Casie is out playing a soccer game in it... I let her visiting big sis take her this time, and I stayed home in my AC.

I need to go get dinner going for them, they will be home soon.
Hi to all, I will catch up on all the posts soon.



JOYce

Hi everyone! we've been a quiet group the past day or two!
I had my CT scan today- won't have any results for several days on that. I am still up in the air as to whether I want to seek a second opinion about the other matter- that is, take all my mammograms, old and recent, to another radiologist, perhaps one who specializes in breast cancer, for a review. But the question is, do I have the energy to go through all that right now? I really don't know what I'll do. This isn't doing much for my eating habits!
Jan, have a wonderful trip! We'll miss you! Check in with us if you find an Internet Cafe!
Texaslady, I'm glad you've pretty much decided to take the plunge on the new job. I know you can handle the challenge!
Joyce, I', glad Melissa's graduation went well. Now you can take a deep breath and relax again! We were near 100 degrees over the weekend too- not pleasant!

My 19 year old kitty (who lives with my exdh) had a stroke over the weekend and is in the animal hospital. He's lost use of one side, but otherwise is alert, etc. The vet is trying a couple of injectins over a 48 hour period, but he's not optimistic. If he were 8 years old instead of almost 19, there'd be an 80% chance of success with this, but at this age the vet says it's more like 20%. We got him when he was only 8 weeks old- it's hard.
Well, I've got to run. Hi to everyone, and have a good op Tuesday.Carol

Carol, I am so sorry to hear about your cat; I'm sure she's had 19 wonderful years with you and your family, and it must be hard to face the possibility of losing her. Sure hope the treatment helps! Re: your idea of consulting a specialist, that sounds like a winner to me. I know it'd be a lot of work, but it just sounds like the right thing to do. And it would be such a relief to know everything's all right; six months is a long time to wait in limbo.

Texaslady, sounds like your new job is getting more definite! Keep us posted on that! Re: the trip, it's our favorite city, San Francisco. This time we're making a side trip south to Half Moon Bay. The surgery's on the 27th, so this will be my last "fling" of the summer, and I intend to enjoy every minute!

JOYce, what a hectic few weeks you have had, with all the graduation festivities! I'm sure that you and your dgd have lots of wonderful memories now from all your hard work. Hope you can rest a spell now, and take more time for yourself! (Remember your promise!)

Gotta run; dh is ready to leave and I hear little sounds of impatience from downstairs. Hi to Liz, Janet, Saara, Kendra, Rebecca, Stamps, Patti and Beth; have a great week!
Regards,
Jan

Hello ladies!

I survived the rockfestival, and now it's back to working and studying. Next weekend is a big midnight sun party weekend, but I'll be working every day... I don't care, though, cause the money I earn next weekend pays for last weekend... Anyways it was great fun, I saw lots of great bands, and some not so great, but did get my moneys worth. The weather was perfect, didn't rain at all after Thursday night, and it was really warm too. But I still didn't get sunburned, which is a big surprise. Some people were so burnt by Sunday that it hurt me to see them. But hey, they were all men, I guess men can't really think of taking care of themselves, especially when they drink...

Ysterday I went to reserve the plane tickets, and it was harder than I thought. Most companies don't yet have prices for my return ticket and the companies that did have the prices were really booked for the days when I want to come. Anyways I now have reservations for an expensive flight on August 10th and I'm on a waiting list for a cheaper one on August 12th (keep your fingers crossed I'll get to save the 200 dollars...). I'll be flying to Los Angeles and will spend a few days there. I still ahve to figure out how I'm getting from LA to Salt Lake City on the 14th... This is still easier than trying to get a flights from here to SLC. And I have a chance to visit with my former host family a few days.

Thanks for all your comments on the meal plan issue. I think I'll go with the 15 meals per week. 10 woudn't be enough for those weeks when I stay on campus for the weekends, and 19 would be way too much anyways. I'm sending in my housing application tomorrow... now I just have to go to Helsinki in the beginning of next month to get my visa. I hope there's no problem with it.

Gosh someone just came to sit at the computer next to me, and is wearing way too much perfume. Yuck!

I'd better go, I'll have an exam tomorrow, still have to study a bit. I also have to do loads and loads of laundy. Have a good week!!! Saara.

Our dgd's mom will be on the Today show tomorrow! The Animal shelter where whe works found a dog that has been missing for 6 years, through the use of a microchip that was implanted in the dog! Cool! HUH!
So 9 yr old dgd is spending the night here with her 1/2 sisters, they all had great fun til I called "quiet time" to allow her to settle down for bed. She and I have to get up early to get her to school!
I'll have to tape the show, as she will probably be on while i am transporting dgd.
2 dgd's and I went to Long Beach to Ports of Call today. It was a fun little 'fishing villlage type place,{which is actually in San Pedro} but has become pretty much a ghost town, only a few shops remaining open. But we had fun poking around in those few, and had a delightful lunch overlooking the harbor, watching the occasional seagull that would land on the piling outside the window.
I just took a challenge on another thread to lose 10 pounds by Aug 1!! YIKES!! I really need to buckle down!
I had crab stuffed mushrooms for lunch today, sounded innocent enough....who knew they put soooo much butter in those things!!!
JAN have a great time on your final fling!
{{{CAROL }}}My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. I can't even imagine what you must be going thru!
SAAARA WOW! It won't be long! Maybe we'll get to meet!

must say goodnight!
Hi to everybody else!
~~~~~

JOYce

OOPS, forgot to mention that dh and dgd and friends caught some calico bass on fishing trip today, so we have fresh fish for dinner tomorrow! YUM!

Good morning everyone! Happy hump day!
I know y'all are sick of hearing about all this, but the CT scan on my chest came back fine. I really wasn't worried about it, but it was still a relief to get the okay. And my primary care doctor's office is working on getting my ins co to auhorize a second opinion on the other thing at Georgetown, which has one of the best centers in the country for this kind of stuff. So, the waiting game continues!
Jan, I know you are already out there having wonderful time!! Enjoy every minute!
Joyce, how exciting about your dgd's mom! Wish I could see it- it sounds like a really interesting story! And boy, does that fresh bass sound god!
Saara, I'm glad you enjoyed the rockfest! It sounds like things will be really hectic for you for the next 6 weeks!! Good luck on today's exam.
Liz, where are you hiding? Did your part of Jersey get any of the nastiness from Tropical storm Allison that Philly got? I hope not!
Texaslady, any news on the new job? have you officially accepted it and put in your notice yet?

My exdh had to have our kitty put to sleep yesterday. Poor little guy- the treatments didn't help him at all- he couldn't use his left side or stand, and wouldn't eat unless he was hand fed. I know that was really hard on my exdh.

Well, ladies, duty calls. As much as I love my job, right now if I were wealthy, or at least not living paycheck to paycheck, I'd be taking a few days off and finding something fun to do! I'm feeling very old lately!
Hi to everyone, and have a good day.
Carol

Wow, not many people checking in lately!

Carol - I already e-mailed you, but I am so sorry about your cat. Our pets are our "children" too, and I know it makes your heart hurt to lose him. I am thrilled with your good news from the CT scan - and I applaud your decision to seek another opinion about the "other thing"!

Joyce- I am so happy that Melissa had a wonderful graduation. What is she doing now? Most "new" graduates just can't get over the feeling that they never have to get up and go to high school again - kind of overwhelming! That's exciting news about the TV appearance. Hope you can tape it so everyone can watch it together. How fun! Good luck on your challenge. I KNOW you can do it!

Saara - WOW! August isn't very far away - especially considering that June is almost over already (Gosh, what HAPPENED to June!). I am glad you are getting a chance to visit with your American family before heading to Utah. This is such an exiciting time for you! Good luck on your exam. I thought school was over for you - are you taking summer classes?

I have not heard any definite word about the new job. I talked with them on Monday and they offered me the job but NOT at the salary we had discussed at the interview. I refreshed her memory and she indicated that they might be able to meet my request, but she would have to check and get back to me. So far, she hasn't. Do't know what that means. So no news yet. I wish they would get back to me one way or the other. If I am to leave, I would like to go ahead and get my notice in so that I can carve out a few days of "vacation" before starting the new position. Oh well, if I don't hear back by tomorrow, I guess I will call.

Everyone have a great day. Will check in again later.

Hello everyone!

Carol, I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. I forgot to mention that I got a chance to visit my cats while I was at the rockfest, my friend who has the cats lives about 2 miles from the place where they had the event. The kitties were so cute, I almost wanted to take them back with me... but I'm happy they have a good home, and we'll see if I take them back once I return from the States.

Joyce, I sure hope we have a chance to meet during the year, I know I'll be coming to California for x-mas break, and maybe for Thanksgiving too. I was able to get the cheaper flight, so I'll be leaving on Aug 12th, so I'll only have 2 days in California till I have to head for Utah. BTW, my american grandparents live in Cucamonga, isn't that pretty close to where you guys live? (if I remember correctly)

Texaslady, I'm not taking any summerclasses, just a few bookexams to get some extra credits, and a few extra months of government student support, since I need all the money I can get for next year... Fortunately I'm also getting a pretty good paycheck this month... But I have worked a lot of hours too.

Gosh, I soon have to start packing, since I have to pack away all my stuff, and there's way too much of it... I don't know how I'm able to store it all, but I guess I'll figure it out.

Have a great weekend!!! Saara.

Yes saara , Cucamonga is only about 10 miles from me!
I'm sure we will get to meet while you visit them. I'll send you my phone #, and you can give a call when you are there, I would love to come on over and meet you!
More incentive to stick to program! I can do it!!

BTW...I was just watching the Today show, they were showing an invasion in Utah! of Mormon crickets (bigger and badder than the chirpy crickets). The Governor has declared a state of emergency because they are destroying massive amounts of crops. These same crickets arrived when the mormons first settled Utah, and the crops were saved then by the miraculous arrival of seagulls.

Can't stay, will be back later. It is Meals on Wheels day.
~~~~~~~~~


JOyce

Well, ladies, I just accepted the new job offer. Now I have to go and tell the partners. I will start the new job on July 9 and will only give one week's notice here - its not like I'm DOING anything anyway so I will not give the usual 2 weeks. That will give me a week in between for a little vacation. Course it will be without pay, but that's OK. I would rather have the days off. I am so sad to be leaving here but realize that it is probably time for a change. Will check in again later.

HEY!!!!! WHERE IS EVERYBODY!!!!!!!

texaslady
It's been a busy day!
I had an early doctor's appt.
then I went to a Ceramic/doll show.
I got lots of fun new molds, and did a couple of 'Make and take' projects. It was a fun 'run away' day.
It got me re-inspired to get busy with what I have! I'm getting ready to go fire up the kiln, I heard on the news that there are no Electrical power emergencies in Calif today, so think it is safe.

dgd and friend leave tomorrow for return trip to Oklahoma, so they are off for a last movie. We just had dinner out, they were all amazed when I ordered tomatoes in place of the potato.(guess that tells you something about my eating out habits.)

Congrats on the new job, I know it is a scary big step!

gotta run!
~~~~~~~

JOYce

OK, ladies- I know Jan is on vacation, but where is everyone else? I hope you all are looking forward to some fun this weekend.
My weekend should be quiet. I had my third and final back injection yesterday, so I'm required to stay off my feet today. Tomorrow should be quiet too- my dd and her dh and my little sweetie have a busy day planned with a picnic at the church where she is an organist, so I probably won't see them. Sounds like a good day to read and clean out a junk drawer!
No word on the attempt to get my insurance company to approve a second opinion- I'm a "just do it" person and this waiting game at the mercy of insurance company paper pushers is not my best thing! Oh well- good or bad, this too shall pass. This time next week I'll be in Florida , and I am SO ready!!!!!
Texaslady, thanks for the email- I sent you one back. I did give you a wave as I drove to Virginia to work yesterday morning! It's nice to be missed!! I'm so glad you went for the challenge of the new job- I have a feeling you won't regret it for a minute (other than missing your coworkers!) Isn't that awful about the Houston lady who killed her 5 children? So sad- 5 young lives wasted.
Joyce, did you tape the today show? I didn't see the program, but they had the story on the the radio news down here. Is your dgd's mom the dog owner, or related to the group that does the microchipping stuff? Congrats on trading potatoes for tomatoes on your meal out!!1 It's the little things that get us where we want to be! I haven't lost a pound in several months- but I haven't gained one either, which I consider a minor victory with the various streses in my life recently. We do learn better eating and coping mechanisms on the program, sometimes in spite of ourselves!
Saara, you still haven't told us anything about your host family! Now that you have you flight planned, it's probably starting to feel more like a reality! I'm so excited for you!
Janet, where the heck are you, my friend??? I realize I don't have much room to talk! What are your weekend plans?
Jan, how is/was(depending on when you read this) San Francisco? I've never been there- or anywhere else in California, for that matter, except for the LA airport between flights! I hope the weather was good.
I had a short work day yesterday, so I got a chance to run to Trader Joe's while I was in Virginia. I hope they build one of those in Florida before I move there!!! I picked up a couple new things to try- one being a salmon stirfry thing with Southwest seasoning. It can be fixed in the microwave as we, and the whole bag is only 3 points! Now if it only tastes as good as it looks. And for those of you with access to a TJ's, have you tried the "Milton's Healthy Multigrain Bread"? It is SO good- 1 point per slice.
I'd better run before I lose this post. Sorry about not addressing everyone- please know I'm thinking about y'all!! Have a good weekend, everyone.
Carol

Gosh, I am glad to see Joyce and Carol. I was beginning to think I was alone in this thread!

Carol - So glad you are up and about again. I forgot about the back thing. Do you see that it is doing some good? I sure hope so. And these darn insurance companies can make you gray before your time! I have fought a battle or two of my own with them. I am SO JEALOUS of your Trader Joe's!! I can't believe there isn't one in this entire area. Whassamatter - they don't like southeast Texas? We have green money, too! Hope you like your new stir-fry. Sounds good and can't believe even with the salmon its only 3 points for a bag. Marvelous! And I don't consider your not gaining anything a minor victory - I consider it MAJOR with all the stress you have had these past weeks! Congrats for staying on track and not de-railing!

Joyce - Glad you are excited about crafting again. I complete forgot how the blackouts could affect your firing up yoyr kiln! Guess that could ruin a batch of stuff real quick! Congrats for the change in eating habits and choosing good stuff over bad! These little steps make up the big ones.

Well, fall-out is happening all over the office about my leaving. My friends are and - and blaming one of the partners because he wouldn't "share" enough of his work to keep me busy - and he easily could have! He just would rather keep it himself and whine about how busy he is! Oh well. One of the other partners SWORE to me he didn't realize how un-busy I was - well, ummmm, he DOES get everyone's billing summary every month!! Couldn't have been a huge surprise. He actually tried to make me feel bad by "not coming to him" to let him know I was thinking about taking another job. Like that would have made any long-term difference. I am sure that if I had, everyone would have made an effort to funnel me some "work" for a few weeks and then it would all fall right back into its normal place and I would be sitting there twiddling my thumbs. He actually asked me if I would consider turning down the other job and staying with my present firm. Of course I told him I had already made the commitment and I wouldn't back out now. Gosh, I hope this is the right decision.

This is the first Saturday morning in almost 2 months I haven't had to hot-foot it over to my dd's to help with the house! YEA! She dragged her poor fiance up this morning to go with her to pick blackberries about an hour from here. I expect them back here anytime now. We will wash up the berries and put them in my freezer. They are SO GOOD!

Carol - When are you leaving for Florida? I forgot. Bad case of CMS, you know. Hope you will get to stay for a while. You are flying, I presume? Look at it this way, with all the health stress you have had, flying should be a piece of cake!

Gotta go and get stuff together for the kids. Guess I will fix them a little lunch - my dd probably won't eat but that's never a problem for my 6 foot 6 inch future son-in-law! Have a great week-end and where the heck is everyone else???????