Good morning ladies,

Not much time this morning. We're having rain again. Great for reviving the grass. Sure hard on pool time though. Not that I've had much time for that the past week. Not sure how come that happened. But it is almost time to take it down.

I've gotten up at 5 am the last two morning to exercise. Nothing too rambunctious that early but have done strength building workouts. I got my second DVD from Push.Tv. A very good workout. Cardio is what I need most and what I've having the most trouble accomplishing.

Work continues to be work. So overwhelming yesterday between meetings and all the different things going on, I just wanted to sit with my head in my hands. So out of control and upper management is clueless.

Mom is scheduled for a procedure on Thursday to check how her current stents are functioning and to see if she either needs more or a bypass. No other tests are indicating much of anything. The stupid people down there (i.e. MEN) told her to go ahead and have the garage sale this weekend because to have them on one day would split the buyers. She's in no condition to even be thinking of this and they are too stupid to understand that she needs to delay it. I'd like to hit her upside the head for even listening to them over us. Thank you all for all the kind words and best wishes. Thanks most of all for just being there to "listen".

Food has been okay. The scale isn't budging which is irritating. However! It is no longer going up.

Just time for a couple of replies -

Thin - I'm so happy for you to be seeing progress again!! OMG! That is so funny that you actually verbalized a goal to your doc. Now hold yourself to your word!

Valerie - That is good news about Bill. Will you still be getting off the truck this weekend? I hate to be cheerful for the demise of a relationship so I hope that you can get off the truck and have a happier marriage. But I know how unhappy you have been on the truck.

Angela - Wow, talk about tough love from a friend! But, he's probably right, a little blunt, but right. Did you get the checking account mess worked out? Sounds like you are too busy to eat much but the downfall is too busy for much exercise. Hope you get it figured out soon.

Lilion - How rude! To think you should have to deal with live people. I didn't like veggies much as a kid but have acquired tastes as an adult. But you have very understandable concerns about your son.

Okay, must get going if I'm going to get out of here earlier and hit the day running. Okay, maybe not running but at least upright.

Make it a great day!

Good morning, girlie girls! Good to see you up and posting so early this morning.

I had a nice lunch at Panera with Susie and her TWO children yesterday. Andrew is just delightful, going into 1st Grade this year. The baby is getting soooo BIG. (for those that don't know Susie, she's the one that started the 300+ thread years ago.) I got a 1/2 Turkey sandwich and bowl of low fat chicken noodle soup.

Honey and I went to Ruby Tuesday last night and got the salad bar. I think the sodium in the ham must have wacked me because I was up a couple of pounds this morning from yesterday and I didn't eat anything else but the lunchmeat that would have done that. We'll see what tomorrow looks like after a bunch of water today.

Did you cuss, swear or say really nasty things about anyone??? Then nope, didn't censor it! Is it possible you hit "preview" and then didn't hit "reply"??? * I'm really sorry that patient hollered at you. That must be very frustrating. You're only doing your job, after all. Geez.

Ackkkk, you noticed that, eh??? Thanks for the encouragement. I really think I've found my "click" again and I'm on the road. It's too bad about your friend, but I can see his point. He might be afraid to develop deeper feelings about you without you really being free. I'm sure there's some good reasons why, after 6 years, you guys haven't terminated that marriage permanently (not my business) but I can see where your friend might have concerns for falling too deep.

I'm glad that you guys are at least able to talk some now. I'm sure that threatening to get off the truck probably woke someone up. Now if you guys can just keep the communication channels opening up there may be more good new for you.

I guess I can see where it might split the buyers, but she's in no condition to be doing a sale this weekend. Maybe the weekend just before the auction or something, but not THIS weekend. Geez. I have to say though that when my folks gave up the farm, we had a yard sale and then other stuff the auctioneer was going to take care of....all on the same weekend. It worked out fine. Oh, we also had my uncles in the audience for the auction to "help" the bidding along for some of the bigger items.

Ok, girls. Gotta run. See ya later. Love ya bunches!!!

Good Morning Ladies!

Today is a good day so far! The weather is terrible...just the way I like it! Actually, lot of people find 60 degrees and drizzly terrible - but I love it! I think I've mentioned, I'm an autumn girl. Give me cool and crisp any day and cool and damp is fine too! Moss weather - Seattle weather! That's what I need! I walked from far spot today and arrived quite damp at the office - forgot my umbrella. But hubby made me his best oatmeal for breakfast and I got a large cup of my favorite snickerdoodle coffee and all is right with the world!

I had a nice evening too...pity DH wasn't there. Our SCA meeting last night was a class on English country dancing. I haven't done any dancing of any type in years. It was a ton of fun and good exercise to boot!

The scale is not being kind to me. I'm hoping the stubborn sticking at 243 is just to throw me off and it's planning on a nice drop tomorrow! I've been OP all week darn it! Journaled all my food. Still have 14 flex points left!

Valerie - counting down! Guess you'll be home by Labor day and then looking for a job! Good for you! I hope you'll be much happier and you and hubby work things out for the better. I'm sorry for your DH pain over his daughter - but glad he wasn't planning something sneaky. I can't believe she SUED you over a horse! His word for her is mild. You be as long-winded as you like...that's what we're here for - right? As for the IM I did 10 minutes Sunday, skipped yesterday since I didn't get home until after 8 p.m....think before that it was Thursday. I'm not doing too great, but better than I have for the last few months. I'm easing it out of retirement - don't want to shock it's system after all!

Terri - Reading your posts make me glad I'm a peon, instead of middle-management. I've been here long enough my job is fairly secure yet have no substantial responsibility...pretty much the perfect place to be in this job. Many people have asked me why I don't apply for promotions when they come up and my reply is simple...the 4% pay increase isn't enough for me to put up with dealing with the Powers That Be! You deserve major kudos on all the exercise! You continually amaze me with that. I feel like a slug! I'll keep good thoughts for your mom. I hope they don't turn up anything too serious with their testing on Thursday. You are a good daughter, taking care of so much!

Barbara - I don't think your post was lost...I never saw it and I was on several times yesterday. But I'm glad to see the new one! You must have the patience of a saint to let someone scream at you for 10 minutes - I'd be GONE in WAY less time than that! Let her scream at empty air and maybe she'd learn to be civil!

Angela - You did grocery shopping - so I gather the account is back in your control? Good! As for your friend...is this a friend that you want to be more than a friend? If so....wow! Maybe you have yet another thing to work on??? I'm sure there are good reasons, but six years is a LONG time to be separated and not divorced. I know people who have gone longer, but apparently it worked for them - they had other people who didn't seem to care that they weren't legally "free" for a long time, but eventually they had to finish things. Like I said, I don't know the situation and free advice is worth what you pay for it, but your friend sure dropped a bomb, huh? Hang in there...school will get better.. you'll get in the swing!

Well ladies, guess I'll go and get some actual work done! Before my "fairly secure" job becomes "somewhat secure"! You ladies have a terrific day!

Thin - You sneaked in! Glad to see you had a nice day...don't you HATE scales? I hate scales - and yet I seem to step on the darn thing every single day!

You have a good day again today!

A rare post from the shadows lurker, Java Turtle.

I hope it's okay to pop in and say hello. I'm desperately trying to find my Mojo again and reading posts has always been motivational to me. But, and it was NO ONE here, I read a post from someone (I'll not stir up anything by naming her) who was just LIVID with Un-motivated people that practically stalked the boards, not doing anything about their weight loss and just being "hangers-on." Well, it made me worry that when I'm not on the wagon, that perhaps I shouldn't post. I'm far too sensitive about what others think (I always HAVE been). But I do hope it's okay to post here. I've known Lilian for a while (through 3FC) and you all seem like such a great group. I doubt I'll post often, but I wanted to thank you all for your motivational and FRIENDLY posts. Best of luck to all of you who roost here.

Mary AKA Java Turtle in WV

YAY MARY!!! I'm SOOO Happy to see you post!!! We are a pretty slow-moving board, but I assure you - NO ONE here is judgmental! We're all in the same boat after all. We all have times when we are motivated and times we are not! Some of us have gone months - or more - without working too hard on losing weight after all. So, lurk, post, and be not afraid! We're glad to have you here!!!!!

Good morning,

Just checking in, WI yesterday down 2.2 pounds. It seems to be slowing a bit which is good for me. Time to start getting serious about exercise which at this point is just normal walking. Everything is going fine here, loving the cooler weather.

I am getting a bit tired of my downstairs neighbors...woke me up at 2am with their fighting. He storms out slaming the door so hard it shook the place. Between friends over and partying til 3am quite frequently, the kid screaming til midnight, what can only be described as home improvement projects going on past midnight and the boom, boom of the stereo's bass all hours of the day, I'm at a loss. Who do you complain to when these are the managers of the complex???? Grrrrr....

I'll make replies later. It's my late day at work, so have to go get ready.

Have a great day everyone!

Lilion: Me too on the cooler weather. I can't stand the heat. I can go from 0 to B**** in 60 seconds when it's hot outside. I love having my windows open. It's been rainy here for the past couple of days too. Bout time, the lawn was VERY brown.

Mary: Welcome! It's so nice to meet you. I know what you mean about the condescending types but we pretty much scare them off pretty quick around here. I do hope you'll decide to post often and let us get to know you. As a lurker, you probably know all of us pretty well. I see you're from WV. BEAUTIFUL country. We used to live in NC about an hour south of the WV border. When we'd come home to MI we'd drive up through Charleston. Some of the prettiest countryside. Love it.

Karen: CONGRATS on the WI (not Wisconsin)!!! GREAT job! That's terrible about the neighbors. Do you know who owns the building? Who do you make your rent checks out to? The owners/management company should be made aware of how these folks are acting. There must be some way to find out who actually owns the place. I have a cousin who owns 3 apartment complexes. They have onsite managers, but a complaint about the managers would/should go to them. Hope you can figure something out. Seems like this has been going on awhile given all of the examples.

Ok, running again. The boys are coming over tonight to try and take apart Honey's desk and move it from the basement upstairs to his "new" office. I told them if they'd come, I'd cook. Later..............

Hi gang. Practically forgot I said anything about Mr. Friendly. Yes, I'd like him to be more than a friend, but I was surprised at what he said. We've been hanging out a lot, often his idea, usually just the two of us, and he knows my situation, so I figured he wasn't interested for whatever reasons. Not divorced for 6 years... well, the main reason, I guess, is that I care about my "ex" or whatever you call him, and I'm a sucker, and when he begs me not to divorce him (because, he says, there's no one else in the world who cares about him) I can't stand feeling like a mean person. Not to mention the period during which he threatened to kill himself whenever I would try to bring it up. I know these aren't good reasons, but I guess the other reason is that I've given up on the idea that anyone else would come along, so it just hasn't seemed worth the effort. Anyway, that's all an old, dull story.

Yes, my checking account belongs to me again, at last. I had to pay a bunch away to another creditor, but I can pay for medications and food and electricity and such, so I'm happy about that. thanks to everybody for the good wishes.

Work has been crazy. Just too much going on, can't keep up, can't get ahead. Still haven't exercised. Ack. And now it's getting late, and my classes for tomorrow aren't ready yet. So I'm going to stop without doing replies and try to be more sociable tomorrow.

Good morning ladies,

So much for doing good with exercise. I slept right through it this morning. Its the dog's fault. He was breathing in my face at 3 am so I got up to let him out. I laid down on the couch and went back to sleep. Woke up at 4 am and couldn't find him. Had to walk around and check all doors to see where he was waiting. Finally got him back inside and he wanted to play. I finally went back to sleep and when the alarm started going off at 5:15, I hit the snooze and went back to sleep. Got up in time to feed the horses and hit the shower. I am so ready for a 3-day weekend - maybe I can even sleep in one day.

The Schwan's guy came yesterday afternoon. He is good to DH and takes the stuff out to the freezer in the garage/barn. He came back inside and asked DH how long we've had badgers. What????? BADGERS! It was prowling around the barn side and ran off when he came out there. He said it was a huge one. Great, that's exactly where I come and go to feed the horses. This was at 5 pm and DH has a bad habit of leaving the garage doors up. I told him no more just leaving the doors up if a damn badger can get in there during the day and attack me when I go out to get ice cream treats ( ) later in the evening. So this morning I slowly slide the door back and peek my head out to check to make sure I'm not attacked by a wild animal. I had to move to the country didn't I. On the other hand, it is kind of funny. Won't be when I, or Bear, meet up face to face. About a month ago, I looked out the front window and saw something run under the gate to the pasture and towards the horses. I remember Spanky turning to look at it as it ran towards the other fence. I told DH that it ran like a big rat but was much bigger than a rat and he said it was just the stray cat that has been hanging out by the road. Umm, don't think so!

DH is thrilled. He's down to 223.5 - down from 261. He bought himself a new pair of shorts at Wal-mart. Size 36-38's. I was having to get him 44's. It's the Byetta that's helping him. At least we're finally eating smaller portions. I'm still maintaining though.

I should get up and get dressed. Maybe I can get away from work a little earlier today. I need to get the weedeating done and for once, I'd like to have it all done in one week.

to everyone! Have a great day!

P.S. Mary/Java - Of course you are welcome here. And no, we don't get livid when someone isn't on track and following their plan. That is what support is all about - helping get someone through those times; not condemn them. Plus, we just enjoy the friendship so much and therefore, yack about all things. Come back when you can!

Okay! Deep breath! Life was good before a few minutes ago when I started this post! Find your happy place, Lilion......


Good Morning Ladies!

...and how are you all today? If possible, it's a more beautiful day today than yesterday! Clear, sunny, and going to be about 80 degrees! Had a nice, brisk, walk from my car this a.m. Then I got a note on a decision from my boss and it all went down the crapper! - Nope - not going back there again!

On the bright side of today - I'm down 1.8 lbs! Was quite pleased to see that. I'm sure if I wait a few more minutes I'd be down a full 2 - but really, who cares. Down is good. I would have liked more, but I'll certainly take an almost 2. AND - drumroll please - I think I may maybe actually weigh the same as my husband! That's actually quite iffy, because he weighed on our home scale which tends to weigh a little heavier than my "official" office scale. But it said he was at 241 last night (which is his morning) so now I just have to pass him up!

Terri: I expect the rat-like thing was a large Opossum. They are everywhere. Are you guys sure about the Badger though? I wasn't sure that they live in Missouri...Maybe a ground hog? They'd be hard to tell apart from a distance unless you got a look at their faces. Still, what do I know? I still argue with DH that there are no armadillo's in MO - even though I've seen them smashed on the highway - I tell him they are SCA Opossums in armor! Just so I don't have to admit I was wrong when I said there were no armadillos in Missouri once!

Angela: Hope you weren't offended by the nosiness about your marriage/separation. Sounds like you've been in quite a spot for a long time. I have plenty I could say, having been thru the "I'll kill myself if you leave me" thing myself - but I'll keep my mouth shut. Just know that any time you want a sounding board, we're all here!

Karen: WOW! Those are the managers? I agree with Thin-you should definately complain to whoever they work for! That's just crazy!

My birthday is next week and we are supposed to celebrate this weekend since DH works the next weekend and also on the day itself. I don't know what I want to do. I had said I wanted to go to Lake of the Ozarks and ride the bumper boats and go carts and stuff with DS and eat at my ALL TIME favorite restaurant. (No - I won't be counting points that day!) Then I realized it's Labor Day weekend. One of the busiest weekends at the lake. I used to live there. I also used to leave town on holiday weekends because it's so darn crowded and busy! So now I don't know what to do! Any suggestions????

Well, I should go...not that my desire to do my job has increased any - in fact, I'd like to say I'm sick and just go home and get out of this crappy place! But I won't. Yet.

Hi everybody! Today was a wonderful day! I know, not quite over yet, but nonetheless wonderful! The temps are in the mid 70's, sunny, cool breeze....ahhh........HEAVEN!!! It could stay this way all year round and this girl would be one happy camper!!!

I had lunch with 2cute's daughter today at LaShish. Nobody in my house likes LaShish so it was nice to share a good lunch there with someone. I hadn't been in a long time. 2cute is still very tied up with her sister in Joplin, making twice weekly trips. Keep her in your prayers as I worry about her on the road all the time.

Lilion: BIG [[[HUGS]]] OMG, I'm glad you had us to vent to as I'm sure there's no one at the office that needs to hear how you feel about the boss. Don't ya just wonder sometimes what they're thinking???? Not much you can do. *Ahhh birthday time. Hmmm, the lake sounds wonderful but I'm with you about the holiday weekend and crowds. Our Reneissance Festival is on up here, you could come see me for your birthday.

Angela: Not my business, of course, but you'd think you'd be able to explain to the "ex" that you're still able to care for him even if a divorce was final. You might just have to stop and think about YOU for a minute and the idea of YOU having a life too. [[[HUGS]]] I'm sure it's a terrble situation to be in but it sounds like you have another "friend" that might like to show you there's more to life. Hope you got your classes prepped and were able to get through all of your classes today.

Terri: A BADGER!!!! Yikes! Do they attack? I don't know anything about them. Would they go after the horses? Guess maybe I should google some info, eh??? Hope you find the little varment whoever/whatever he is!!!!

Well, after my nice lunch I really don't want any dinner so maybe I'll just go make some spaghetti and a salad and call it done. See ya later. Love ya bunches!

Hi ladies,

Today was a wake up call. As in WAKE UP. I ended up going to the doctor this afternoon. My heart was beating so erradically - jumping all over the place. I had my fingers on my pulse and could feel it beat - beat- nothing - beat-beat-nothing. This has been happening more and more and have been telling myself its stress. But today was exceptionally bad. I told her at this point, I decided I better not be stupid and come have it checked. She said the EKG looked perfect and she listened to my heart for awhile and sure enough, she could hear what I was feeling. She said that its stress and said that its time to make some changes. So we're trying some meds that will make it quit jumping around, plus an antidepressant that will help take the edge of the hysteria I feel more and more lately plus a sleeping pill. She said if its not better in 10 days then I get the whole cardiac workup. I'm not thrilled with the idea of an antidepressant because I don't feel depressed but in a way, it is a relief. She said its an energizing med so maybe that will help me be able to have the ummmph to get back into my cardio workouts.

Back later after I go do some outside therapy.

Terri! Goodness I knew you were awfully stressed, but hadn't realized how bad it had gotten! I know it can be awful for you. I have a heart arrhythmia myself, but I could never feel it - which surprises my dr's - but I'd get the "someone's sitting on my chest" feeling. It got bad enough once I went to the ER - a week after my wedding - turned out that was a panic attack. Haven't had one since, but they are so scary! I never took any meds - I think I felt so silly that it was AFTER the stress should have been over that it kind of went away. But you've had so much on your plate for so long, between you mom and job and the move...I'd be surprised if you hadn't had it cause some problems. Don't feel bad about taking a med if that's what it takes...I'm sure your Dr. knows what she's doing.

Thin I didn't tell anyone what a total butt-head my boss is...but they'd have listened sympatheically if I had. Everyone thinks so. Morale at my office is in the gutter - heck, below the gutter - in the sewer. I mean, we're a bunch of lawyers - most of whom have been practicing for over 10 years - heck, I've been practicing for 18 years and doing this job for 12! And we get this guy who's been working - not in our field I better not say much more - he knows ZILCH about the type of law we deal with - and suddenly our opinions aren't worth spit! Granted, he came in under the last administration and now he's got political crap to deal with... but he literally changes policy if anyone whines loud enough about something we did. I mean, we do contested hearings - one person in our hearings are usually ticked off in the end! And he's second guessing us - who have YEARS on him in this field, and we aren't allowed to disagree! Literally! We've been told that if we argue with him we could be fired for insubordination! What! Telling a bunch of attornys not to argue is like telling them not to breathe! Needless to say, we all have our moments where we want to blow. I've literally left sick a time or two just because I couldn't stand it there any more. But I didn't today. I'm still ticked off as can be though. In case you couldn't guess!

Well, I went into my flex points a few today - five I think. I want to watch really close this week bacause I know I'll blow a TON on dinner.

Oh - Thin - Funny you should mention your renaissance festival. The Kansas City Renfest is starting this weekend and that was one of the things I thought of. We used to get in for free as VIP's...but I'm not sure if we will anymore. But I'm not sure that's what I want to do. We'll see.

Hope everyone has a good night! Terri - Here's another hug and a bunch of good thoughts -