Howdy, everyone! It's been a crazy couple of days.

Had the boys over for dinner yesterday in the hopes that they would take some of their crap back home with them. No, really it was so they could see their dad before he set off for South of the Border. I made steaks on the grill, first of the season. YUM! Some garlic "skinny" mashed potatoes and we had BIG salads. I figure that's the only opportunity I get to get some veggies in them. They are not the best at taking care of themselves. The "baby's" idea of dinner is either pizza or Arby's. YIKES! #1 Son has learned how to use his Forman Grill and his crock pot so I don't worry too much about him.

Honey went to work this morning and then flew out to El Paso, TX at 5:00 PM. He stays in El Paso and then crosses the border to Juarez, Mexico every day. He'll be gone until Saturday, late afternoon.

I'm FREE!!! Ok, just kidding. (in case he reads this. ) I get to come and go as I please this week. WooHoo!

My girlfriend is still scheduled for her surgery on Wednesday and I talked to her husband today and it looks like he'll be having bypass surgery on the 5th of April. He had bypass about 5-6 years ago. This is NOT good. He flunked the stress test.

Hey, anybody want to chat this week? We've got that chatroom with our name on it, but never use it. Whatdayathink? I would throw out tonight at 8:00 EST, 7:00 CST or 9:00 EST and 8:00 CST. Let me know what you think. I'm open to anything. See above: "FREE" as a bird! Another day would be fine to if that's what you guys want. Just not sure what time I'll get back in on Wednesday night as Di's surgery isn't until 2:30 in the afternoon and I won't leave the hospital until I know she's come out of it and resting comfortably.

I worked my last financial planner job today. WooHoo! Now I all have to do is write it up. Time-consuming.

Lesley: Glad you're back to work. 200 EMAILS! YIKES! Isn't it nice to know you're loved???

Garnet: I'm glad your shoulder is feeling some better.

2cute: Glad you're still hanging out with us. Sorry I missed you.

Bridget: Welcome to our corner of the site. We're glad to have you joining us. Hope to see more of you. The best way for us to get to know you, and you us, is to post often. CONGRATS on the 18 pounds! GREAT job!!!

Desires: Welcome to you as well. I would like to encourage you to analyze your schedule. Do you get up for some hours before you go to work, or do you stay up for some hours once you get home? Afternoons is such a wonderful shift to try and work around, but I think it would be helpful if you look at it like a regular day. For instance, when you get up, have a meal. It jump starts your metabolism regardless of what time of day that might be. If you go to work right away, then after a few hours, when you take a break, have a snack. Pack an apple, a granola bar, a yogurt. Then take your lunch break and eat. Have a snack on your next break. Then when you get home, if you're usually up for a few hours, have soup and a salad, a sandwich, whatever and go to bed a few hours later. Now IF, however, you go to bed as soon as you get home from work at 11PM or 1 AM, then you may want to work things a little differently. Have something light when you get off work if you're hungry and then go to bed. Have your good sleep and get up and have a good breakfast in the morning. Have your snack, your lunch around noon or 1:00, go to work, have a snack and then your dinner and a snack later. I hope some of what I said makes some sense. It did when I was writing it.....in MY mind. Oh, and did I forget to mention that of course you do need to choose healthy stuff when you select as well. You will find alot of restaurant info at this 3FC location: http://www.3fatchicks.com/fast-food-nutrition/ and lots of others at Dotti's: dwlz.com. Look for some healthy favorites from these references and you'll be on your way.

Lilion: I can't tell you how many times I have thought the same thing. Maybe it's that the surgery gives you the smaller "parts" so that willpower is easier? I don't think having GBS is the easy way out by any stretch. I don't think there is an easy way out. If there was we'd all be doing it.

Ruth: Boy, you called it. Rained out races! Honey missed it because he was working today. Glad you're going to finally get some reprieve from mom. Also glad your sister is finally well enough to come get her. Ya know, you're a bad influence? I read "nap in the recliner" and I shut down the computer yesterday and went and took a nap....in BED! That was BAD!!!!

Barb: Prom dress shopping sounds like such fun. Having boys I never had that opportunity. Too bad. Never got to teach anyone to sew or craft or crochet either. Hey, you must be having some kind of weather tonight. Honey called at 9:00 EST and he was stuck in Dallas because of the wind. Then the flight attendants got highjacked (oops, that's probably not a good term ) to another flight so they had pilots but no flight crew. What the heck!!!! I told him I'd be up late waiting for his call that he's in El Paso safely and so far, no call. It's 12:35 AM as I'm writing. Hope he calls so I can go to bed.

Terri: WOW, I didn't realize you weren't happy with Richard. To begin with it sounded like he was putting up fences for your horses and treating you all well. Now to read you posts it doesn't sound like it's going well at all. I'm so sorry.

I don't know if I wrote that we FINALLY have neighbors next door. The house was for sale all last summer and the people moved out in July and it's been vacant ever since. Two months ago they reduced the price by $14,000. Two weeks ago, we saw some activity. The people haven't actually moved in but they are working over there every night. They've torn out old panelling and removed all the carpeting. It sounded the other night like they were sanding the hardwood floors. BTW, isn't it lovely that our houses are close enough together that we can hear that???? Anyway, it's nice to not have it vacant AND that they are really working on it.

Xen: How nice that you live somewhere that you can look out and see deer out back. I bet it's lovely! Thanks for the prayers for my friend. As you can see from above, we're worried about her hubby too. Sad family situation there. I really don't know how she manages all that is on her plate. I have a clematis on a trellis out front as well. I wasn't smart enough to make a note of if it was a dead wood or fresh wood type so I've been experimenting with either cutting it down in the Fall one year and then leaving it this past Fall. We'll see which way it blooms better. I'm a "garnet" as well. January 12th. When's yours?

Valerie: Nice to see you back off the road. Ahhhh, pets......who knows what they're thinking. Max (the cat) was such a comfort to me tonight. It's almost as if he knows "daddy's" gone. He slept on the quilt next to me on the loveseat tonight while I ran my hair through his soft fur and watched TV. What a guy!!! I'm with Lilion on the b'day gift. Sears is great. My guys all love Home Depot or Lowe's certificates as well. Depending on his interests, Best Buy works well too.

Leanne: How are the kids? Is your new University job going well?

Michelle: Is Andrew getting excited for the Easter bunny? NC is sooooo pretty by Eastertime.

Charlotte: Glad to see you back. Baby-sitting sounds like fun. One of these days maybe grandkids will be in my future. But I guess the boys have to date first. As the boys were in high school and college, I told them that girls were evil, money sucking B****** so that they would finish school. Now that I've got them both out of college and fully employed with houses I've had to break it to them that maybe, just maybe, their momma was exagerating a little.

Ahhhh, FINALLY! Honey just called. It's 1:00 AM here. He finally got into El Paso and is waiting for his luggage. Thank God, he got in safe.

I hope I got caught up with everyone. If I missed you it wasn't intentional.

Tomorrow I've got an appointment for a hair cut and a perm. I'm so sick of this hair! I haven't had it cut since before Christmas when I got my last perm. Heck, it might have even been early November! EEK!!! I figured I'd get it down while Honey is out of town since he hates the smell of a perm. This way he'll come home to a NEW wife! Wish I could change the body as easy as I can change the hair.

Well, girls, I guess that's all the yappin' I can do for tonight. See you later. Think about chatting later tonight. Love ya bunches!

Oh, forgot: I saw this on a church marque today and thought it appropriate.
Make efforts, NOT excuses! Now if I could only live by these words I would be on the road......

WOW !!! It took me so long to read Thin's post I barely have time left to post myself. Actually it was GREAT seeing one of Thin's ole longggg posts again. It has been awhile. THANKS THIN !!!!
I was here earlier but had to wait for someone to start a new thread.

I don't remember much from the last thread. Just a couple of nice notes asking about my sister. Thank you for asking. She is finally home and just waiting for the results of her tests. She is doing fairly well considering. Her weight is a BIG ISSUE in her health problems. You would think that would be inspiration enough for both of us.... but we both just stay over weight. I am MUCH FATTER than her... but she still has a serious weight problem and it will probably kill her before any cancer or lung problems. They just can't do all the things they want to do because of her weight and breathing issues. BUT... that said... she is doing well for now. I can't say after the doctor calls with the results.

OH !!!! I remember we have some NEWCOMERS !!!!
We always LOVE getting newcomers. Tell us all about yourselves.

WE FINALLY GOT SOME RAIN !!!! YEA !!!
We are 20 inches behind so the 2 inches is only a drop in the bucket of what we need.... but it has been over 140 days since we even had a drop... and then it was ONLY A DROP.

Thin... thanks for starting the new thread. Sorry to hear your hubby is gone. I know you "say" you are "free" ... but I know you miss your big guy when he is gone. And with the boys gone too... you will really miss him. You never did say if the boys took any of their crude home ?????

Garnet ... I do remember your post... partly because it was the last one... LOL ... but mainly because you inspired me so.
Great words of wisdom, encouragement and PERSISTENCE !!!
Keep up your great attitude. I always say...
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING !!!!!!!

Good morning ladies, Just a quick pop in this morning to say howdy. I am still trying to get everything ready for the weekend. Have clothes and etc. to get ready for my Mom to pack for her stay with my sister. It will be for six months, so that is a lot of packing! I don't know if I have ever mentioned it...but she is going to be 99 in April. She has had a long and healthy life. Age has slowed her down but hasn't stopped her. If she could see and hear she would be good to go, but both are problems for her now.

I hope you are all managing to stay op...I"m atryin! LOL! See ya later, Ruth

Good morning,

Its snowing here. Darned snow! At least its just a dusting and not a pounding. I know the weather people are all disappointed that they don't get to rule the TV today with major weather updates. They have been predicting doom and gloom for this storm for days and now its a dusting. They are such drama queens anymore.

Wow, what a lot of posts since I last checked after work!

I did try to do a workout last night but DH kept bugging me and it was too distracting. Why would he bring up the taxes when I was in the middle of dying to Bob from Biggest Loser? And say it like I should be finishing the taxes instead of exercising? I hate doing all the financial stuff all the time and it irritated me to not just let me have 30 minutes without having to quiz me. Maybe I was a tad to sensitive about it but he keeps reminding me that April 17th is coming up - yeah in a MONTH. If it wasn't for his stupid business last year, this would have been long done and money here. So I finished them this morning.

And he turned the alarm off before it went off this morning and I woke up 45 minutes too late for a workout. He'll have to zip his lips tonight while I get my workout in. No more being lazy.

Lilion - Yes, I feel petty. However, I was telling my friend Jan (who is also a horse person and big girl) and her immediate response was, "Doesn't that just pi$$ you off?" Someone understands! A woman thing. I am truly happy for Cherie and what bothers me is that she did it and I haven't. I haven't. The steel cut oats are Bob's Red Mill brand that I get at the grocery store. They are supposed to be better than rolled oats because of fiber and better for cholesterol improvement. Something about slow cooking. Depends on your store, but they are either in the cereal section with the other oatmeal or in the health-food section and with other whole grains. Some people put them in the crockpot and cook them overnight. I just cook them 20 minutes or so on the stove. Keep in the fridge or freezer in portion sizes. I top with a sprinkle of brown sugar, 1/2 ounce of walnuts, and a handful of frozen blueberries. YUMMYYUMMYYUMMY.

Valerie - I missed seeing that your older horse is lame. What happened? It is great to see you checking in. I miss you when you're gone. I'm also glad to see that you're home for a bit and getting to see your boys. The puppy comment is so funny and so true. I love that "What??" look too. Especially on a 168 pound dog with his head in the trash and looks back around like "just checking to see if you're looking". They are so like children.

I have to run and get in the shower since time is short this morning. I'll try to check back in later. I need to put up all the paperwork just in case someone comes to look at the house - its snowing and doubtful but with my luck....

Have a great OP day!

Good Morning Ladies!

Well, as Terri said, Missouri didn't get burried with snow like predicted, although I hear parts of the country did. In fact, it's just raining here and has been all night. It's so gloomy! Makes me want to go back to bed!

Thin: Yay! A long thread from Thin! You know...I'd love to chat, but I don't know if 7 central tomorrow will work...DS usually goes to taekwondo on Wednesdays and if I pick him up I won't be here for part of it at least. And to be perfectly honest, we're ususally moving so slow at home with dinner and everything that I could forget all about it...that's what happened last time we tried a chat...but I'll try again! I hope you get thru empty house syndrome okay. I'd do great! I always loved having the whole house to myself. It's the best part of "sick" days and state holidays. Kids at school, hubby's at work and all's right with the world! Can you tell I miss "me time"?

2Cute: I agree - Attitude is very important. (Although it didn't stop me from eating linguini with livers and cream sauce last Friday! ) Seriously, that's what makes this weight loss different for me than ever before...I just know that this is it, that I can do it and that I can keep it off this time.

Ruth: I can't even imagine being 99 years old! Although I'll find out for myself - as I fully intend to be immortal!

Terri: Look! A smilie for your hubby! I bet you were ticked! I sure would have been. I used to do all the financial stuff at home...in fact, after my first marriage, I was so freaked out at the thought of anyone else touching my bank account that I told DH I wouldn't marry him unless he let me handle all the bills and the paychecks! (Such an understanding man!) But I got SO TIRED of doing it that I started falling down on the job. Finally, one day I said "That's it!" and gave him the checkbook! He does it now and I'm SO much happier...although I still peek to make sure the bills are paid! We went to an actual accountant this year for our taxes. I used to do them myself, then we went to H&R Block twice. NEVER GO TO H&R BLOCK! They screwed up our taxes SO BAD that we are finally filing THIRD amended 2002 taxes that the accountant did for us! And all we had was two incomes, one kid, one rental property. That's it! Ridiculous!

Garnet: Did you try google or yahoo to find the instructions for the apple baker? I have found several product instruction books that way. Worth a try. I went to both my Jr. and Sr. proms - STAG! As to your computer problems...Get an optical mouse! I can't recommend them highly enough! The best thing we ever bought for our computer...and we have FOUR computers in our family of three! Was it you talking about the bike? I'm definately getting a new seat - those little seats are just not made for large butts! Catherine (Hippyvanlady) recommended the Hobson Easy-Seat and that's what I'll be getting for sure. They have kind of two seats - one for each "cheek". You need to see it to understand, but it looks SO much more comfy! I'm MUCH taller than you! 5'10" here! I had a college roomie your height...we could do our hair in the same mirror in the morning...I just stood behind her since I was a full head taller!

Valerie! Yep! We're even! I love your descriptions of your pups...Dog's are such a trip! Sometimes I wonder what on earth we were thinking getting dogs...but then, every single night about 9 p.m., they start bugging me. Usually I'm on the computer and Mac just keeps pawing me and Suzie keeps coming up too and what they want is for me to go sit on the couch so they can both snuggle up! They are just like little kids who want to snuggle before bedtime...and only Mommy will do!

Well ladies, that's all that have written since me last...so I'm off. I have to start spending substantially LESS time on the internet at work! Have a happy, healthy OP day everyone!

OH my aching everything! Tried a new workout this morning with a group of ladies led by a fitness trainer. I tell you what - they worked my chubby self almost to DEATH! And when she said TOTAL body workout, she meant TOTAL BODY WORKOUT! It was WONderful! At $3 per class it's almost free, and she says it's something I can do everyday... or TRY to do everyday. She did lie about the 60 minutes, tho - after 65 I thought we were finishing up, but she said "OK - now it's time to get out the mats and do our floor work." Which was followed by a half hour of "do WHAT?!" and "yeah, sure!" I can hardly wait til I can keep up with the whole routine! It's a kick in the seat that I really needed right now, and maybe I can even practice some of the moves out on the truck. Every little bit helps!

Terri, my old horse, Steega had a previous knee injury that had taken a year to heal and was supposed to be just walk/trotted. I found out after they bowed his tendon in the same leg last fall that one of the girls who was riding him was galloping him UP HILLS. Anyway, it was a pretty bad bow and the leg will never be right again. I've been praying that it would just heal to the point that I could start some very little kids on him at some point. He loves the little ones, and he's wonderful from picking his feet up and leading to either english or western. He has the most devine trot in the world, and while he won't do anything bad to a rider, he doesn't give "free-bies" - if the rider isn't right, he won't do it. He's a perfect teacher and a total sweetheart. Trust me Terri, if you had this guy, you'd be kissing his nose. That's the part of him I bought, & the rest of him was free. *** I hear you on the NO H & R Block. They have one of the highest rates of IRS audit for good reason. Our taxes are in to the accountant already, but DH is just now bugging me about Workers Comp stuff. I HATE self-employment. It's a guy thing.

Thanks everybody for the input on the B-day gifts - I'm off to shop now. He JUST lost his super-mega-ultimate-jacknife, so I'm gonna see if I can find a replacement. I know he feels half naked without it. He even had it on for our wedding!

2CUTE - glad you're getting rain, and I hope you get some more to catch up, but NOT the whole 18 inches at once, right!?

Good morning! Oh crap, I missed morning.

Finally climbed in bed at 3:00 AM and got out this morning at 11:00. Can you say happy girl????

I can't stay to write much this morning. I'm on my way out to get my hair cut and permed. But I came in to check in and say Lilion mention chat tomorrow and I went, OH NO! I started writing that post on Monday night and didn't finish until this morning that's why chat looks like Wednesday instead of Tuesday. I went back and changed my post to reflect what I really meant. I knew better than to try and do anything on Wednesday because I know some of you do church functions on Wednesday and Di is having her surgery tomorrow and I don't know what time I'll be back in tomorrow night. So anyway, to clarify....

Is anyone interested in chatting TONIGHT, Tuesday????
Timing: 8:00 EST, 7:00 CST or 9:00 EST and 8:00 CST

Sorry but I've gotta run or I'll be going nekked to my appointment.

Hi Ladies,

Thank you for the kind and warm welcome. Weight loss is definitely less stressful when you feel like you're not in it alone.

Terri--Medifast is one of those prepackaged diets that are delivered to your door. I'm afraid I'm not much of a cook so their 5 prepackaged, 1 regular meal daily seems to be working for me so far. It is linked to Johns Hopkins and many doctors approve it. I figured it was worth a try when my doctors kept pushing me for bariatric surgery. You do have to play around with seasonings to make the foods palatable but then some things are actually pretty tasty. Plus, right now I have so many knee and back probs. that marathon grocery trips hunting for diet foods weren't a good idea--though I have really gotten in to having my groceries delivered. I figure the added fees are canceled out by both gas savings and no impulse buys. It takes a little while to get the grocery delivery boy trained about which products are the correct ones but he's doing pretty good now. Plus, I don't have to carry all those heavy packages of bottled water in. I just have a running grocery list going in my laptop, adding items as I read what other people are fixing for low fat, low carb recipes. Then, I fax it to the grocery store once per week.

LesleyUK--I do think Renee looked beautiful "just as she was" in Bridget Jones. She is such a good character actress. I felt that whole movie said a lot about how women feel about their bodies as well as many other insecurities. Plus, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant are the best eye candy a gal could wish for!! Their fight scenes are a hoot! The men in my family laughed their heads off during those scenes.

Today I'm experimenting in the crockpot. I put a can of diced tomatoes with a half tsp splenda and a half tsp basil over some boneless, skinless chicken breasts and then poured diet Coke over it all. If you don't hear from me again, you may assume that I died from acute gastro-"something" distress.

BJF

HI all!

Hi Garnet, I think I missed replying to you because a new thread started, but I wanted to say Way To Go! on keeping up with the gym in spite of your mom's efforts to ply you with fast food and diminish your exercise! It's SO hard when the people we're closest to aren't supportive. I'm glad she's still working out in any way, but I'm so especially glad you're keeping up with it!!! Slipping out of the habit is so easy, and gettng back into it is hard, and so discouraging when you've been slacking... I know.

BJF - I'm not sure about the Coke, but the rest of that recipe sounds good! Let us know how it turns out. One of my favorite spicy marinades for chicken tastes GREAT coming out of the oven, but I refrigerate the leftovers and the chicken tastes as blah as can be. Go figure. Since I live on "leftovers" on the truck, literally, I'm always up for a new recipe to cook a bunch and take with me.

Just my 2 cents on the carb/fat thing, since I can't deprive myself of everything forever, what works best for me and makes it far easier to stay On Plan is choosing the right carbs and fats, like strawberries over baked goods, and a handful of nuts over chips. There are things in those foods that we need, and they allow us to have a more healthful diet overall as well as reducing the restrictions. Whatever works for a person and they can stick with is great, and I'm not arguing against that. It's just that in things I've read and my own sense of reason tell me that I can't cut out ALL carbs & fats, I just have to make choices of the right ones that will improve my health.... My MIL was just saying that a tablespoon of peanut butter will even improve cholesterol counts. Anybody know anything about that??

All that being said, it's time to actually THROW AWAY the evil Girlscout cookies, and may those rotten little urchins never darken my door again! Next year I'll send the $$ and they can take the cookies to the mission or something!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday!

I went to the mall earlier and walked 3 laps to make 1.93 miles. I bought a gratitude journal and the first entry was that I was grateful to have already walked the 1.93 miles today. I TRY to like exercise. I tell myself while I am doing it that I am making myself 'strong, lean and healthy' but all my self talk is evidently falling on deaf ears because, to me, the best part is being finished!

GarnetFairy, it sounds like you are on a roll! I don't have the confidence to go to a gym but I know the support there would be a benefit to me. I am such a work out novice. I have a lot of machines but just owning them doesn't offer the benefits of actually using them. I do have a recumbent bike that I like but need to lose some weight in order to feel comfortable riding it. I also have one of those bucking bronco Covert Bailey riding machines that I would have to be in olympic condition to ride for 20 minutes. I would die trying now. Congratulations on your dedication to both your exercise and saying 'no' to fast food! I also found your post inspirational as well.

Thinthinker, I was born on the 31st. So there are 3 January babies here. I hope your hair cut and perm turns out wonderfully. I have prayed before every perm I have ever gotten. I had a traumatic experience with a perm once. About the deer.... As much as I love seeing the deer in my back yard I feel badly about seeing them too. There has been so much over developement around here that the poor things have no place to go but in peoples back yards. They are so beautiful.

2cute2bfat, my sister was diagnosed with lung cancer 2 1/2 years ago. She had a part of one lung removed then. Within the last month she was told that there is a nodule on the lung that could be scar tissue and that her thyroid is enlarged. We are waiting on test results now and praying for the best. My thoughts are with you and your sister and I will say prayers for the both of you. Where is your sisters cancer located?

On a lighter note, what kind of dog is your 168 pound puppy? I have a lab who is 14 yo who was once 110 and I thought she was a big 'un. The vet scared me into restricting her diet and she is down to about 65 now and quite unhappy about the whole process.

Ruth, you are probably right about my salt intake. For years I did not struggle with adding additional salt to my food because I didn't have a 'taste' for it but I have noticed lately that I am pouring it on. I will make a conscious effort to stop that now.

Barbary, it sounds like you, your sister and the girls had a great time prom shopping. I hope both of the girls found their perfect dresses. Your rainy Sunday nap sounds like heaven.

Terri, my dogs love walks also. I usually take Storm and I can almost see her disappointment when we turn the corner to come back home. I think she would walk forever!

Lilion, great find on your bike! That is a wonderful price and it sounds like you will be a perfect, purple blur riding with your bike and helmet. Who knows? Maybe your son will have trouble keeping up with you one day.

LeslieUK, glad to hear you are feeling well enough to head back to work. I think you are wise to ease back in without jumping into your grueling long hours head first. Take it easy and don't push yourself too hard.

Valerie, I do REALLY small scale gardening. I have two 4 X 4 boxes in the back yard that I usually plant 4-5 tomato plants , some yellow squash , cukes and a few sweet banana peppers in. The rest is just flower beds. Nothing large scale at all. I think you are hankering to do the real stuff.

I was so happy to hear the good news about your horse! I think he will make a fine teacher for young riders and I applaud you finding a way to give him a purposeful life. It sounds like it was what he was cut out for anyway. I hope his condition continues to improve.

Have a wonderful evening everyone.

Hey, girls! Yes, here it is almost 2:00 AM. Can you tell Honey is out of town??? No, of course you can't. I'm up this late whether he's here or not.

I got my hair done and it turned out very nice. Of course I always like it best after it's been washed once but it will be fine for the next day or so. I found out I hadn't been in for a perm since the beginning of September. Oye!!! Can you see that I really needed this visit?????

I'm going to try and do some quick replies and then hit the mattress. Di's surgery is tomorrow at noon so I need to meet her at the hospital at 10:30 and I've got an errand or two to run before I go.

2cute: Glad you finally got some rain. Barb got some in Dallas too. You guys have had such a dry season.

Ruth: No, I don't think you ever said your mom's age. 99, God Bless Her! That's wonderful. And to not have anything really going wrong. I can sure empathize with her not seeing or hearing. We went through that with my Aunt. She had been deaf for years and then got macular degeneration. She was a very good lip reader for years. Then when the eyes started going we wrote everything we wanted to say on legal pads with big black magic markers. (I became a very good printer. ) In the last couple of years she finally had a coclear (sp?) implant. That gave her some quality back to the last couple of years. The lack of being able to communicate is soooo awful. They're just kinda locked in their own little heads. [[[hugs]]]] girl!

Terri: SNOW!!!! I'm pointing my finger and laughing. Can you see me? I'm sorry, that's not nice. *hanging head in shame* We have really avoided most of the snow this year. We seem to be in this little beltway that doesn't get it when it goes north of us and everyone south of us gets it too. Weird weather.

Lilion: Well, I met a couple of people in chat tonight. Sorry you didn't get there. I was actually glad I went because our room doesn't exist anymore. So I contacted Suzanne and she came in and took a look around and decided that the subscription had expired and she didn't realize it. So tonight she was going to look into getting it back up with the extra rooms. So all in all, it was ok. Got kinda crowded in the one room. One gal was really rude. She was writing in all caps and telling everyone to shut up so she and this other person could have a conversation.

Valerie: Good job on the workout! Actually, good job on actually wanting to go back and do it again. Good for you, girl. Keep it up and you'll be skinny in no time. Have you tried using FROZEN boneless, skinless chicken breasts? I found out long ago that by cooking them from frozen they are much juicier. I also found that it doesn't work if YOU buy fresh and freeze them yourself. You have to use the flash frozen ones from the store.

Garnet: Sorry I missed the question about the apple baker. I haven't really heard of one before, but I do bake apples in the microwave. I just peel them, core them and put them into one of those little one cup pyrex bowls. Zap for 1 minute and they're done. They're also alot of fun to "stuff". I like a tablespoon of peanut butter, myself. But a little brown sugar, chopped walnuts or cinnamon (or all of the above ) are great too.

Bridget: Your crock pot concoction sounds interesting. How did it turn out tasting?

Xen: That's too bad about the deer, but I know what you mean. They cut down a woods behind my subdivision a few years ago and for awhile there we had all kinds of racoons and other little animals in our yards that had been displaced. * On the perm, I'm always confident that it will turn out great. The same girl has been doing my hair for 20 years this summer. Actually, I said that to her today and I think I made her come to grips with how old she is. She was shocked that it was that long. Of course we were both just :baby: babies when we first met.

Well, girls, I'm caught up again. Talk to you sometime tomorrow night. Love ya bunches.

Good morning ladies, I won't be hanging around here for long this morning, but wanted to check in. Bumpy road ahead, guest and food! HELP! I do so badly when I have others to eat with. Do any of you have this problem?

I will most likely be awol for a few days. My Sis and a friend of hers will be here until mid-week of next week, so ya know I have to stay off the computer...that is unless I come in the middle of the night like I have been known to do. LOL! I will surely read and see what all of you are up to though.

I am going to wash up bathroom rugs etc. this morning, check out the pantry and make sure I have everything I need to make some of the dishes I have planned, check the freezer and clean out the fridge, whew! makes me tired just to think of all I need to do. Oh yeah and bake a pound cake...not for me!

Ok, instead of sitting here telling you all of this boring stuff, I should move. Take care, Ruth

Good morning ladies,

I'm sitting here watching the end of the Biggest Loser low-impact cardio workout to see what I didn't finish. I did 17 minutes of it though so that's a start. It is interesting to watch them workout for whole workouts. On the show, we only get to see little snippets of them working out. What's funny is what terrible form the guys have - especially Gary from the first season. And Matt, who won the last one, is not too good either. Suzi is the best at it.

I got on the scale this morning and was greeted with a nice 2 pound loss. Woohoo! Better than going up!

Dinner last night was wonderful. DH finally got the point (after the Cherie incident) and fixed my salmon that I have been requesting. He always manages to not have gotten it out of the freezer or drives around for too long or something to not have to fix it. I don't know what his problem was because it was wonderful. He sprinkled it liberally with blackened seasons and pan seared it in a little bit of olive oil. That and some Creative Grains that I think was bulgar and carrots mixed in was delish.

Thin - Sorry for not making chat. American Idol was on at the time you were chatting. I haven't had a perm in ions. I used to do that because my hair is so fine. Now I just cut it off. I'll keep Di in my thoughts and prayers today for her surgery. You are an awesome friend. But a bad, bad girl for not giving your body better sleep than that! Sorry I missed rude girl too. Oh yeah, smart a## about the snow. I seem to remember you getting a bunch of snow last April so watch out. The sun will be shining today so the last will melt.

Ruth - Have a good visit with your sister. Although we should harass you for being absent like you do us when we get things going.

Xenigal - That's me with the big dog. He's a rott. He's huge but he's not fat. He has such a large frame. I'd hate to see how big he'd be if we let him get fat. I've been trying to add distance to our walks to wear him out more and burn more calories for me. That way he'll lay down and sleep and not bug me for a bone. Good job with the walking and the journal. There's nothing wrong with being happy with the finished results - its the endorphins making you feel good!

Valerie - Okay, I had forgotten about Steega's knee injury. I hate to see them not walking well. I had the farrier take the leather pads off Ginger's front feet and she is walking much better. Damned laminitis. I did something different with my chicken this weekend. I used one of my pampered chef stoneware pans. I put frozen chicken tenders in the pan and drizzled with a little olive oil on each then sprinkled with cajun seasonings. Baked in a low oven with foil covering. It has stayed moist and very tasty even a couple of days later. I justify the olive oil because of its cholesterol benefits. So much better than boiling it or just plain baked which can taste like drywall the next day. I agree with you about the good carb/bad carb thing. That is what I love about South Beach. Its really not about carb or no carb its about eating carbs that have health value. If we're eating for health then we are choosing foods that add value to our bodies. Peanut butter (nuts) do have a cholesterol lowering benefit. Walnuts are good for omega-3's.

Bridget - Thanks for the info on Medifast. Sounds like a good deal and worth the money.

Lilion - DH didn't say a word last night about me taking the dog for our walk. He did feel bad and I did overreact a little. What I should do is get him more involved in the financial side and teach him how to pay the bills. Which I do online so that will require supervision. Did I read a post where you got on the infernal machine???? Good luck on your WI today.

2Cute - I hope that the results are not bad results from your sister's doc. Won't be long before you're out planting and getting the pool ready!

Barb.G - What's up this week? How is work?

Michelle - You promise to come back and then don't hang around! Bad girl! Hope things are going well for you and the boy is having lots of fun.

Garnet - Good job on getting to the gym. Isn't your mom trying to lose weight too? Keep strong on resisting the fast food and maybe she will finally get how serious you are and stop trying to sabotage you.

I better get off to the shower and the house picked up.

Have a good OP day!

Thin, I'm sorry I couldn't stay around in the chat last night. Looks like I missed all the fun!!! But that's the time oleAlvin gets home, and I do try to greet him and make him feel welcome

Terri, you had to ask about work The last two days were pure #$!!. Monday one of the girls at the front desk gave her notice. She is a direct hire for Pam my boss/friend. No less than 20 minutes from the time she told her, the HR person came in and told ME to tell Pam that her sister would be in the next morning to replace her!!! Pam had no say it the decision, this is a very high volume stressful at times, but very complicated position, and this person was hired with no interview, no experience, she is a unemployed truck driver (no offense intended to you Valerie, just meant that her job experience had nothing to do with the job at hand!) Needless to say Pam was upset, which in turn upset me. Then yestserday the other front office person gave her notice, and to make a long story short, the HR person (again without consulting Pam) offered her a dollar an hour raise to stay and she is staying. THAT upset ME!!! This is a lazy liar that blames everything on everyone else and is a total troublemaker. If they had offered the first girl an increase to stay, but to offer that to this girl, But I just work there. OH WELL Also later the HR person came to Pam and told her she felt Pam was letting ME influence how things were going in the office!!! Did she not have a mirror?

Can you believe that I am actually looking forward to going to the dentist today? I go to have my two crowns done, but at least I won't be at work!!!