Thank you Thin! And....

Good Afternoon Ladies!

I've been too busy to post today...although I admit to having lurked. I really should be working harder, but feeling a bit blah today. Mostly tired, didn't sleep good, and yelled at DS and DH this morning...way to start the day! I get so tired of them fighting. DS is this kid for whom everything must be a drama....He's a Drama King! DH on the other hand is very much the disciplinarian and tends to jump on the kid for every little thing instead of picking his battles - and then they really do become battles, because DS over-reacts to the correction and it just builds!

On the up side, DH greeted me with a card and Ghiradelli Chocolates (1 pt each). Then he sent me the prettiest flowers! The weather is beyond perfect (again) and I got Subway for lunch at 1/2 price. All in all, a reasonably decent day. DH has woken up now and we talked and he isn't mad at me for yelling at him this morning, so all is well.

My old BF, Marc, sent me a card for my B-day. The card itself was cute. His message to me was obscene. Really, really obscene! I don't quite know what to do about that. He's always sent me little cards with somewhat risque' notes - always for my birthday, sometimes just because. We've known each other for something like 20 years. Dated on and off for 14. We kind of dated each other whenever we had no one else to date. We went on vacation together twice. That sort of thing...almost friends with benefits. Even when we both had someone else, like now, he's still very flirty, and that's fine. My DH is not the jealous type. He doesn't care if I give old BF hugs or even a peck when we see each other. He recognises that BF is a big flirt-it's just his way. We (me, DH, BF and his GF) get together now and then and eat or play cards. It's fun. But this card was over the top, practically a Penthouse Forum letter, and I don't know if I should tell him to cool his jets. It's disturbing me somewhat.

Our own dear Thin sent me a card too! Isn't she the sweetest!?!

My WI showed me 1 pound up today. I'm unconcerned though. I still think it is residual from Chicago and I'm back on track...journalling and staying OP. I expect next week that pound will be gone, along with some of it's annoying little friends. Tonight I'm having WW taco soup for dinner - a recipe Thin posted on our recipe thread. I'll do a review tomorrow! Did it in the crock-pot and DH says it smells wonderful!

Well, I have GOT to try to get some work done! Only 1 1/2 hours until time to go home!!!

Happy Happy Birthday Lillion!

Hi girlie girls!

I figured I better jump in here for real or you guys won't remember who I am.

Not sure what my problem is for not posting. I hate to blame that too on PMS, but I'm going to. Last week was just that kind of week. My Monday morning WI LAST week was wonderful and then Tuesday morning the scale said UP 4 pounds and I didn't even do anything. I blamed it on Mother Nature, of course, because then the sore boobs came and the back ache. Is this TMI yet??? Anyway, with the scale not cooperating anyway I gave myself permission to eat, and I did. So much for that new found focus I had.

Well anyway, long story short (I know, too late ) SHE decided to show up last night and now the scale is on it's way down again and I'm eating better again. *sigh*

Honey and I were in a bit of distress for the holiday weekend. We were waiting to hear from the cardiologist with the results of Honey's stress test. No word all week. Then on Friday (you know the one. The Friday of the holiday weekend.) we get a postcard from the GP with blood work results on it and he writes "There is a new abnormality that shows on the stress test. Follow up with the cardiologist." WTF!!! It's Friday, 6:00 PM, who do you think is in the office??? Then on Saturday we get a letter from the cardiologist that says "I've tried to reach you several times by phone and I've gotten a busy signal." WHAT!!!! There are no busy signals on any of the phone numbers we could have possibly given him. We have an answering machine and call waiting on the house line and voice mail on the cell and office numbers. What's he talking about? Then he goes on to say that he is satisfied with the results of the stress test and to go forward with cardiac rehab. Are these two conflicting stories or is it just me??? Anyway, Tuesday morning could not have come soon enough and Honey placed calls to each of them first thing. Geez!!!! First rule of cardiac patients: avoid stress. Yeah, right.

Valerie: So glad you're off the truck and onto really taking care of yourself. That's terrific!!!

Gloria: Welcome to our area of this great forum. We're glad to have you joining us. How are you liking WW? I really like it. It works wonderfully when you stick to it.

Terri: I'm glad it's not your mom's heart, but now what is it??? The idea of the geriatric specialist is great. I think they have more patience with the elderly that some of the other docs do. * Sounds like you've been doing alot of work around your new place. It just never ends, does it???

Karen: I knew you won yesterday but I couldn't let the cat out of the bag. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I bet it was a nice surprise. CONGRATS too on the 2.8 gone. You go girl! Keep it up.

JavaTurtle: Glad to see you joining us as well. WELCOME!!! Did you guys get your tree project finished? That's alot of work!

Ruth: Glad to see you checking in. I'm sorry to hear about the dementia setting in for your mom. They say that it can be brought on by a drastic change in conditions, a move, unfamiliar surroundings, etc. I'm guessing this trip to the hospital and numerous Dr. visits are what brought it on.

BarbG: I'm so sorry to hear about DH's sister. Her suffering is over and she's in a better place. Doesn't make it any easier thought. My deepest sympathies to you and Alvin.

Celery: Congratulations, grandma! Ahhh, the old clean-your-plate-club. That's me. But I have to tell you that it is a habit you have to break. It's hard, very hard, but it can be done. I'm still struggling with actually leaving something on the plate that doesn't EVER get eaten, but I'm must better now at sharing an entree or bring half of it home for another meal (or to grow mold in the fridge before it's eaten...whichever comes first).

Nessa: Welcome to our area! Glad to have you joining us. CONGRATS on the 32 pounds down. You're doing great.

Angela: WOW, what a schedule! Geez, there's no time in there for YOU!!! Take it easy on yourself.

Lilion: I can only send cards to those I have addresses for. I asked about emergency contacts but the response has been slim.

I think I may have caught up with everyone. If I missed you, it wasn't intentional and I do apologize.

This afternoon was spent trying to set Honey up for Cardiac Rehab. Their last class is at 3:00 in the afternoon! Does anyone WORK???? Honey never gets home before 6:00. He would have to leave work at 2 in the afternoon to get to class by 3:00. He can't take 3 1/2 days a week for the next 6 weeks. Geez. So I spent the afternoon on the phone looking for alternative places and finally found one about 1/2 an hour's drive from where he works that will let him come at 5:00 so he will only have to leave work an hour early instead of 3 hours early. YIKES!!!

That's pretty much all that's going on here. We're having a family reunion on Saturday at a local park. It's all of my cousins and their kids. I hope it doesn't rain.

Talk to you all soon. Love ya bunches!

just trying to cut back without following any specific diet plan? I have tried so many and they just don't work with my lifestyle. I own a restaurant so it very hard to stay completely away from foods and not feel deprived. So my new idea is to cut back on sugar and white flour (treats only) and try to add more fruit and more vegis. Is anyone doing this and having any success. I am so tired of being so overweight and yet I am more tired of dieting and all the crapola that comes with it for me. With my family I have more than one person who cheers me on as long as I don't mind them baking the occasional cookie, cake, or this or that. Not help that I need. I know they mean well but it doesn't turn out well for me. So appreciate any input ladies. I know I and I alone am responsible for what goes in my mouth but I also know where I am weak and hurting someone's feelings by not eating what they have baked or cooked for me just is not realistic and then once I eat one cookie, there goes the rest. Sorry didn't mean to go on and on. I just would like to know if anyone is just eating less and having an good success at that. I am all

Happy birthday Lillion.

Hi Bunna, nice to see you. My husband is cutting back, only because I haven't given (read "found") him the WW materials yet since his heart attack. He is down 9 pounds in two weeks. No sweets, no after dinner snacks, very little sodium and waaay more fruits and veggies.

A Very Happy Birthday Lady Lilion!!! Look> a TRULY calorie free cake! Here, hava few more! Have an even better tomorrow, with no squabbles, no In-Persons, no temptations, and a good bit of exercise.

BUNNA - I did South Beach last year and it was very successful for me, but in the end I'm doing sort of what you were talking about: cutting refined sugars and starches/flours, including pasta. I adore bread (as well as baked goods of any kind) but I just can't have them. I've discovered they just make me hungry all the time and I just "can't" stop stuffing my face when I allow them. Owning a restaurant must make it VERY difficult to cut back.

As for the generosity of people who bake for me, I've explained to them that of course I love that stuff, but my life and happiness depend on me regaining my health. That stuff HURTS me. I explain that I simply can't have that stuff if I want to be healthier, and ask for their help in avoiding it. If necessary I also explain that I regard continued 'gifts' as sabatage (which is exactly what it is.) I say it gently at first, and not while someone is actually handing me the poison/'gift'. But the one person who really wouldn't quit (who also claimed to be trying to lose wt) I finally showed some anger. It took that much to get through to her, but she's finally become supportive. It DOES hurt you, and if you have the will power to say no, then no one should try to insist you eat it. You could always say "Oh, yummy, I'll just save this for later." Then put a nice little sign on your garbage can: "Later."

THIN, I sure hope you can get those docs to agree on something. And I hope they do it on a weekday!

ADVICE ON HUMILITY: If you want to feel humbled, take a guy with 3 inch long legs on a 3 mile hike... and just try to keep up with him! Don't think that just cuz a dachshund is close to the ground that he's slow. I could barely keep up for the whole hike, and then only because I had a lease on the little bugger. The park was lovely tho, and I got some walking in. Even saw 2 white tails on the trail right in front of me, but luckily both the boys missed that.

Doing pretty good on food, as well as exercise today. I like unemplyment. Except for the broke part. What's the lottery jackpot up to now??

Happy happy b-day Lilion!

My best friend here is English and her family sings what I think is a soccer song on birthdays:

Why was she born so beautiful?
Why was she born at all?
She's no bloody use to anyone,
She's no bloody use at all!

Leave it to the English to make a sarcastic birthday song.

Thin, So sorry about the cardiac confusion. Yikes!

Thanks to everyone for the supportive words. Today was fairly productive--I even managed to collar the provost at a stupid reception and get him to commit to introducing my guest speaker next week. I think, I hope, that if I keep my nose to the grindstone for a few more days it may get easier to be on a normal schedule. I've blown off this evening. The big problem is that I don't eat right OR exercise when I'm this busy. When I do get a little time to myself I just play scrabble or otherwise "relax." I wish exercise was something I wanted to do as relaxation.

So okay, here's my commitment: Tomorrow I will find 10 minutes for exercise, and I will eat three meals at normal meal times instead of waiting until late afternoon to eat. I can manage THAT if I make it a priority.

Welcome Bunna!!! I must say I have not had tremendous success with just cutting back, but that may just be my personality. I find that if I just cut back, it's too easy to not realize exactly how much I'm eating. I long ago cut out everything I think of as "extras." I drink my coffee black and my iced tea unsweetened, no butter, sugar, or salt added to anything, no dessert, hardly ever anything sugary. Doing that allows me to maintain, but not to lose. But I think we all have to find out what works for us and do that. I haven't been doing what does work for me--counting calories and exercising--and so I haven't lost much, just about 7 pounds in two months. Better than nothing, of course.

Have a great Thursday everyone.

Hello Everyone -

Bunna - Welcome! I would have a terrible time if I were in a restaurant all the time! I truely wish you luck. FWIW, weight watchers is all about being able to eat anything, in moderation. Might be worth looking into.

Valerie - Thanks for my cyber-cake...it was the only type I had! Ah well, it may have been my first ever birthday without a cake, but I ate plenty just the same!

I'm posting a few photos in the photo section...both from my medieval event in June and from Chicago! Finally downloaded the camera!

I ate about 8 pts for dinner and three chocolates. Put me over by a few...but that's what those flex points are all about. I also did 13 minutes (that's over 1/2 a mile) on the Infernal Machine! Feeling pretty good about the old birthday!

Angela - you sneaked in! Thanks for the sarcastic song!

See you ladies tomorrow!

Happy Birthday Lilion!

Just a quick check in. Hope everyone is having a great week!

Hi ladies,

Welcome to the new folks!

I just finished my Push.tv workout. I just wish I didn't have to do it at 5:30 am but that is my only consistent time. I'd like to get to where I could do my exercise at night. However, I do feel better in the mornings after a workout. Okay, that was rambling.

Mom had her appointment with the internist. He gave her a very thorough examination and I mean thorough. She wasn't really pleased with that. He got onto her about her weight and not keeping better records of her blood sugar readings. They also had her talk to a social worker who gave her a memory test (which she passed fine) but didn't do so well on the depression test. That doesn't surprise me given that she's a widow, overwhelmed with the place, and has not felt like her old self in a year. He said she's on too much meds but he didn't take her off anything. He wants to review more of all the tests she'd had done recently with all the other docs before making changes. She goes back in four weeks. I don't think she gets to move until he tells her she's okay or not. Sis and I are really pleased with such a thorough check - someone who actually knows the body and looks beyond one symptom. She does sound a little better these days.

We bought a new pickup. Our old Dodge has had this funny hesitation in the transmission for a while but the Dodge experts say its nothing. We don't believe them. We also had been talking that we really need a 4x4 so that we can get out into the pasture when its really muddy or snowy and drop hay. I feel better too knowing that DH can get off the property now in bad weather when I'm at work. Its a 2006 Ford F150 4x4. 0% interest. That saves us about $9500 over the life of the loan. Plus DH's son works at the Ford plant so that saved us about $5000. The price of trucks amazes me. $50,000 for a TRUCK. That is not what we bought but you see so many of those being driven around. How on earth do people make those payments?

DH made the most fabulous slaw last night. He saw it on FoodTV on Saturday. Fresh chopped green cabbage, red cabbage, green onions, cilantro, cooked corn, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup garlic red wine vinegar. It is gorgeous with all the colors. Carrots would be good in there too. It was very refreshing tasting. I might cut the oil a bit and add more of the vinegar. It made a big bowl too. Tonight I might try a bit of balsamic vinegar to see if it gives it more zing.

The horses are milling around down by the barn because they know its that time of morning where I'm supposed to be out there feeding them.

I best get moving and then hit the shower.

Happy Birthday Lilion!

to everyone!

I had an uneventful day yesterday. At least until my hip socket popped out of place. Well, not the whole socket, but it was excruciating to say the least. I was at work and my coworker kept insisting I be taken to the ER. But I know my insurance and I know my cheap bones, so I rode it out. After a handful of Advil and quite a bit of shifting around to find a comfortable place, and a few hours, I realized it was fine. Not even sore. Bizarre, no? I have no idea what caused it, unless my coworker was correct in suggesting it was the climb up into her vehicle (we carpool).

The funny thing is, I found that my MP3 Player still works and I took it to work with me to enjoy my favorite music on breaks. Since I was off the first two hours, I took a stroll through the hallways while bebopping to my favorite new tune. Nothing strenuous or stairs or even enough to break a sweat. I ate well and on plan (except for a few pieces of leftover zucchini bread) and was glad I'd actually made myself move for a change and then POP, the old socket comes out. That's what I get for a lifetime of inconsistency. I was too afraid to use the stairs going down to leave, for fear it would pop out again so I rode down in the elevator.

I don't know if this is from my weight, my arthritis or the MS, but I sure as taters don't want it to happen again. I was going to go on and on about it and the rest of my day, but that's for my blog, not for this thread. That's probably why I always stop posting, I make a pest of myself. But I want to get back in the swing of commenting to individuals. I need to start taking notes again and concentrate more on YOU all than me.

Happy Thursday to all who roost here. I wish you all the best. I'll probably return at 1730 hours (five-thirty pm to all you civilians ) and attempt a more personal post then. I'm glad I've been drawn out of the shadows. Now if I can just get my "diet legs" back under me again.

LILION _ WTG! on the I.M.!!

TERRI - Glad you FINALLY got someone good looking after your mom. I hope she feels better, physically and with the depression. I just wish her all the best. COOL about the new truck. Yeah, amazing what they want for them, but aren't they great?

JAVA - You are NOT a pest. I enjoy your posts and getting to know you! OUCH! So sorry to hear about your hip, and I hope it was a flucke and doesn't give you any more grief!! You were doing so well, too, with your walking and bebopping! Ahhhh, zucchini bread - carbs of the gods.

Having a good day here. Worked out for an hour, got a line on a couple more job possibilities, just even had a brief spot of something resembling communication with DH - wow! Had my BMI measured this morning for the first time since January and it's down from 53+ to 49+, so that was lovely!

Have a great day and remember, don't buy any groceries you don't want to wear under your clothes.