Well everyone we are having a good time. She ended up in our bed as we had a thunderstorm. Yes her and the stuffed little bunny and his blanket. Too cute I tell yah. At any rate she is sitting on the floor going through some left over fabrics and we are making some quick cut up clothes with tie straps. We are headed to run some errands and we are going to my sisters for a big family gathering for a birthday party. So she will meet mom and dad there. We took her out for dinner last night she had a real daisy in her pony tail and was ready to go when I got there to pick her up. The whole family is going to Seabreeze on monday to go on all the water rides and reg. rides. This is our summer treat to everyone. Some day I might not beable to do it but this year I can thanks to my casino win a month ago. Gotta be thankful and lucky once in awhile. We will take a picnic lunch on monday and the girls have all taken care of that and the drinks, snacks etc....
The hubby and I have our anniversary next friday and we are going to do something special.
Skinny wow nice loss. I didn't do the little square this week. I will on wed. next week. I can tell by my clothes so far so good. Another measure is how my rings fit. Loose is good.
Tired you go girl. Congrats on getting some support there! You deserve a break to enjoy life too!
Marie watch that scale stuff not to often ! Be careful!
Well off to a picnic I will try to make some good choices and smaller portions when possible.
CC

Carol, it sounds like you're having fun with GD and the rest of your family. Happy anniversary, a little early. how man years is it? Enjoy it. I envy going to Seabreeze (never heard of it but I LOVE water theme parks). I don't give a darn what I look like in a swimsuit if there is water involved. I will be in my suit and in the water. Hope you were able to do small portions at the picnic.

I've been out to dinner the last two nights. I'm doing good on choices and portions. Eating out is so hard, though. You get an idea of how many calories are in it, but then you never know if they slathered it in oil or butter or what ever else that could throw off the diet. Today is a stay at home day regardless that two of my servers are not working right at work. I spent a portion of my day off yesterday working (4 hours). Not today.

I'm going to watch the NASCAR race with DS and start the counted cross stitch kit I bought in Alaska - it's of Northern Lights. The kit came with Aida 16 fabric and I wanted it bigger so I bought Aida 11. I love being able to see the holes for the stitches. I guess I am getting older.

I'm having trouble sleeping - classic manic. I counted the hours down till I could get up throughout the night. Six rolled around and I was up like a flash. Hour and a half later everyone is still sleeping except the doggies. I'm thinking I either need to control it with Trazedone (one of my meds) or melatonin (natural supplement). I think I'm going to try that first. I'm hyper yet exhausted so I definitely have to do something.

Have a great day.
Marie

Hi, y'all--

Well, it looks like my life is back to "normal," for whatever that's worth. My guests are finally gone, I'm in town indefinitely, I've purged all the 'vacation' food from my house, and my staticky phone line (which I use to get online from home) is even mysteriously working again--just because I've taken Monday off to wait for the repairman!

I've reluctantly amended my ticker to reflect the extra pounds I've gained in the past six weeks, and adjusted my year-end goal accordingly. I won't be able to make up for being stuck in the 230s for months and months, so I will concentrate on getting down to 215 by the holidays. I'm back to journaling, which I'd abandoned in June. I'll be a familiar face at Curves again. Plus I've experimented with a great walk path to work that I tried a couple of times this week--about 55 minutes long. Once the weather cools off a bit (from the mid-90s), it may end up being a nice daily walk. I have even asked a friend about committing to going to a plus-size Pilates class once a week with me. So I'm back on the highway after sitting in the rest area a bit too long!

Marie, you will be my inspiration for losing party pounds. Although I hope you can figure out what to do about the sleep problem! Over time it really zaps your energy and affects your blood pressure, among other things.

Hello, again, Carol and Tired! I've missed checking in with you. I don't think I would have come back at all without your voices of support. Whenever you're afraid that I've fallen off the edge of the earth, send me a private message--it'll come to my Blackberry and I will respond. Let's hope that I don't go AWOL again, tho.

Hey, Skinny! I'm looking forward to learning more about and from you.

Roll, here's a big hug, I hope you're doing okay.

As Wille sings, On the road again, I just can't wait to get back on the road again!

judy

Marie I will have a good time with the kids today. I will enjoy the water park but the rides not many for me I don't really care too much for them. Last year my younger sister vocally forced me into the jack rabbit roller coaster. Oh never in my life again!!!!!!! Hopefully work off a few extras I ate this weekend. With walking swimming etc. today it should work out. I will try to make good food choices this week. I set a goal for myself 3 workouts at the gym to be scheduled, calories with in my daily range and on my 2 special eating events coming up to eat healthy low cal. breakfast and lunches.
Judi so glad you came back to us. Next time I will hunt you down as you have requested! I am a bit concerned over Rollmdl. Maybe she is just busy with her daughter this summer? At any rate we are happy to say the least that you have come back. Sounds like your ready and have preset some goals for yourself. I have been doing well so far. Few mess ups here and there but am fitting into my clothes and my rings are still loose. I will do the scale this week. Not doing it all the time but still checking in for balance and not to let things get out of hand. We all work to hard to let things go to far! Do you keep your own journal? I find it helpful as I can reflect back to what I was doing when I lost or gained. What my exercise or activity level was etc.... Or how many events I went to which involved food!
Take care and talk to you soon hang in there we all know this works but we need to try our best to jump in after a day of lust! One day of screw up is better than lots that is the way I am looking at it.
Tired are you out there? Have a great day and how is the delegating going.

Hope this day finds everyone healthy and happy. Things here are good. The weekend went well w/good eating choices and exercise. I have a funny story to tell you about my date w/DH but will save it for later. Saturday, I did pilates for 60 minutes and walked 2.5 miles. Sunday, I walked 2 miles. We are having friends in from MI this coming weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing them. We're already planning a healthy, fun menu for the weekend.

Carol-How was the water park? Six Flags in Louisville, KY has a ride called the Mile High Falls that we love. When you get off, every inch of your body is soaked. Feels good in this humid KY air! I love rollercoasters! I was practially raised in Kings Island, Cincy, OH b/c we lived so close to it. We got summer passes to there and the Cincy Zoo every year. I loved it. I can also tell by the way my clothes fit and the way my rings feel when I'm losing weight and doing well. I can be typing and my rings will just start sliding around. It's a great feeling.

Marie-How's the work situation? Hoping things are easier and calmer for you today. Congrats on the good eating choices while eating out. You're right, though, it is tough. Applebee's has a WW menu that's really good and most places will prepare food to order if you ask. Subway has become our second home b/c it offers such healthy choices. You're cross stitch sounds beautiful. Believe it or not, I've actually seen the Northern Lights all the way down here in KY. They were gorgeous. I hope you get some sleep soon. How are the natural meds working? I love mine. I take some for allergies/bronchial issues and I wouldn't swap them for anything. I haven't had to use my inhaler once in the past year, which is highly unusual for me.

Judy-It's good to meet you and I look forward to getting to know you better. It sounds like you're getting back on track. Good for you!Like you, Iwent awol from the forum for a while. Big mistake on my part. Sometimes, the encouragement and friendship of this board is what gets me through the day. I'm excited that you're going to Pilates. I go every Saturday I can and I love it. I really helps me with my posture which is a problem for me. Let me know how you like it. Word of advice, take it slow and only do what you can do. There are some things that I still can't do but if I keep plugging along, one day I'll get there.

TOF-Where are you? I hope those eight boys didn't tie you up and lock you in the basement or something! Check in soon. When does your school year start?

Well, I took DH on a date Saturday night. Nothing elaborate; just coffee and a walk at the lake. To start, our coffee shop was closed due to the fact that they were repaving their parking lot. Bummer. So we settle for cappuccino from a fast food joint. Then, while we were walking, our flashlight died! Well, this was a nature trail so there were parts of it that were pretty dark. Fortunately, DH had his cell phone. So, we were walking around by the light of Bill's cell phone until we got back out into the moonlight. It was quite funny and I'm sure we made a funny sight walking around w/the cell phone held to the ground so we didn't trip and kill ourselves! It's a date we won't soon forget.

Hi, ladies!

I wrote a long message this morning, which disappeared somehow when I sent it. So this one will be shorter, and I make sure to copy it, just in case.

I am struggling with carb cravings in the evening something fierce. I had a good day yesterday, EPP and walking 25 minutes in the monstrous heat, but last night I was desparate for more fruit, so after having a large wedge of watermelon for dessert, I still ate an apple and string cheese, and polished off the company OJ...and was looking around for more. I know it was a sugar jones, after so many weeks of helter-skelter eating. I'll have to distract myself this evening, maybe sit in my bedroom and read instead of sitting in front of the tube. What do you do when the evening munchies hit?

Carol, I don't like keeping a journal, but I have to admit that there's a direct correlation for me between writing things down and staying on program. I've tried various electronic logs, but what works best for me is old-fashioned take-anywhere, scribble-whatever-I-can spiral notebook. I track my eating, exercise (formal and informal), water and 'brain meds'--yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, etc. I also include anything of note about my day or my mood.

Skinny, I'll keep you posted re Pilates. I have to figure out my finances this week, and how I will get back and forth from the class if my friend isn't interested in going. But I think it will work out, and I'm very psyched about it.

Hope everyone had a good day!

judy

I hope this day finds everyone doing well. Things here are good. I'll soon have my coffee in hand, I'm listening to Vivaldi (yes, again) so all is good in my little world.

This evening is my official weigh in at church. My scale at home this morning reflected a 2 pounds loss but I'm waiting to see what the scale at church says before I report it officially to you ladies. I feel good about weigh in, though. I'll take a loss even if it's only 1/10 of a pound! I just don't want to gain any but it is close to TOM so you never know. I'll let you guys know.

I wogged this morning. Yes, I said wogged. Allow me to elaborate: Our daschund, Cami, is having to make adjustments since school started. She stays in her crate most of the day while we're all at work and at school. Well, I decided that since she had to be inside a lot during the day that she could accompany me on my walks in the morning. DH said he didn't think she could do the 2 miles as quickly as I walk them. Boy, was he wrong! That little booger was practically pulling me down the sidewalk. I'm sure we were a funny sight; my tiny little dog dragging my bottom down the sidewalk. So, I actually ran about 6, 30-60 second segments this morning during my walk, hence the name wog. It was good to prove to myself that I could do it. I'm not ready for a marathon or anything but it's definitely a improvement.

So, how is everyone doing? Marie, TOF and Carol-check in soon so we can see how you're doing. I'm sending positive thoughts and hugs your way.

Judy-I crave carbs, mostly sugar, as well. One thing I do is I don't deprive myself. If I want something sweet, I have it. It may be a sugar free or low fat version but I allow myself to have it. Many times, I just eat the regular version but not as big a serving as I would normally have. I give myself 2 hershey's kisses every now and then, especially during TOM. I also try to keep healthy alternatives around. It sounds like you're not doing bad but I understand the desire to nip it before it becomes a big problem. I think that starting your journal again will help you as well. I know it certainly helps me. I turn mine in every week to a friend and I always think-if I eat this, my friend will see it and I'll get a lecture. Lots of times, that's enough to keep me from straying into dangerous territory. Like you, I just use a spiral notebook. It works best for me. Good luck w/the carb cravings. Let us know what solutions you come up with.

Well, ladies, I hate to leave such grand company, but I must. In the words of Winston Churchill-Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never give in. We've come a long way and made a lot of good decisions to be healthy so let's keep plugging along, encouraging each other along the way to our ultimate success. Thanks for your friendship and encouragement. TTYL.

Real quick, 'cuz I gotta run soon--Hi, y'all, hope everyone is having a marvelous day! Skinny, good luck with the weigh-in, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for introducing us to wogging....

I went to the Curves by my office last night, and was really pleased with the staff and the people. It's a little cramped compared to my normal Curves, but it was fine, hooray! I'll be there two nights during the workweek, and I'll go to the one closer to home on Saturdays.

My eating is much better than earlier in the week. Didn't have time for my long walk this morning, but I did get in 25 minutes, and will walk to meet a friend in a moment, the walk will be at least 20 minutes (which is why this will have to be short).

Hugs to you all!

judy

August 11, 2005 I wrote: "Carol, someday I'll have grandkids. For that I'm very excited, but since my boys are only 19 and 20, there's no rush. But, I envy you. I think being a grandparent is going to be such a special honor."

Well, a 20 year old can get a girl pregnant. Hence, I am a Grandma to be. I'm so excited I could dance around the room. Alright, I already did (not today since I'm sick). DS's girlfriend has been like a daughter for 5 year and has called me mom for the entire time. They are going to be great parents and I'm going to join your honor ranks, Carol. They're due in February. So the last couple nights my computer/writing time has been with DS and last night with soon to be DIL (at least I hope it's soon - they're thinking of getting married after the baby's born). That's why I've been missing in action.

I haven't lost anymore weight, but I can feel my clothes are so much more lose. Today I have an upset stomach so I look at it that I can't eat - one easier pound to eradicate.

DS and DIL to be are moving in with us in about a month. We're converting the attached garage to a mini apt (no kitchen or bath since they're on the other side of the door) so they'll both be able to continue with school. DS is in his senior year of college and will receive his software engineering degree in a year so we don't want to see the bundle of joy derailing that. DIL is in her last 2 years of school for teaching. What's really cool is that the garage is on the opposite side of the house with a insulated firewall between it and the house. SOOOOOOOO, I get to play with baby all day and sleep all night. What a perfect world.

I've been very good eating, especially today - food is disgusting coming back up. I just had a graham cracker that I'm hoping will stay down. I tried a new supplement that doesn't seem to agree with me. I think tomorrow I won't take it. Ah, duh, Marie.

I'm up to 20 situps in my quest to add one everyday (5X a week) since my birthday. They are sure getting easier to do, not harder. I can see that my posture is better so my stomach looks better. I'm really glad I've done them every day for a few days - I do think a crunching of the stomach would have that graham cracker making quick exit.

Work has been hectic, boring, and all together icky. Nothing new there. I finally have all the servers up and running (including my new Windows 2003 SErver with SQL). They've been up since Monday afternoon (except the new one I got communicating with the database yesterday afternoon). That's been a big relief. The boring part has been that I'm in training on another DB that they added to my fleet so I'm bored while the secretary is being trained. To me, all databases are the same and I can figure them out on my own. The trainer told me that he'd never had anyone understand it and answer questions about it (from the secretary) in the first hour. Duh, I say. I'm smart
Okay, enough rambling. I will check in tomorrow.
Marie

Hope everyone is having a good morning. Things here have been interesting. We were without power for about 1 1/2 hours due to a car accident that took out a telephone pole. Don't know if anyone was hurt or not. I hope not.

Well, my official weigh in was not official! What I mean is that the scales we use at the WI are kaput. So, I updated my signature by my at home weight. According to it, I'm down two pounds from last week. Yea!

I didn't walk this morning as it looked like rain. So, I exercised w/Richard Simmons Blast off video. I like to do at least a little something in the morning as it helps get and keep your metabolism up through out the day. Tonight is yoga flex at the Y. I've never done it before but I'm going to give it a try as I will be missing my pilates class on Sat. morning.

Marie-congratulations, grandma! It sounds like you're being very supportive of the situation which is what they need. They're probably feeling a lot of different emotions right now: happiness, fear, apprehension. With you as a support system, I'm sure they'll be just fine. Keep us updated. Also, congrats on your sit-ups! Sounds like you're doing pretty well with everything. Are you sleeping better now? Hope you're feeling better.

Judy-glad your eating is going well. We have a "curves" room at the Y and I try to hit it a couple times a week. I really enjoy it. By the way, I have to ask where you're from. I picked up on the "ya'll" in your latest post. Do I detect a fellow southerner?

Carol and TOF-let us hear from you soon. I'm missing you both!

Hugs and positive thoughts all around. Have a great day!! TTYL.

Marie--congratulations! I'm so glad that you love the baby's mom, and that the whole situation isn't filled with angst and stress. If it's a girl, I think Judy is a fine name Hope your stomach settles down soon, that's not a fun way to lose weight.

Skinny--Double-yaay on the two pounds gone I lived in Atlanta for about a year, but mostly I'm a midwesterner, born and raised in Cleveland, spent sixteen years in Chicago, and moved to DC after eight years in Brooklyn. But my family is from rural Alabama and rural Arkansas, and as I've gotten older I've learned to appreciate a lot about the South, and enjoy spending time in the larger cities--'specially Nawlins, cher!

Well, my scale said 235 this AM, a startling four pounds less than on Sunday. I'm thinking that Sunday's weight was a 'bloat blip,' but whatever, so far so good. Last night I went out with a friend and had a beer and a Kahlua with dinner, but otherwise I'm pretty much EPP. Got a few short walks in, and going to Curves tonight, before going home to make two scrumptious salads for tomorrow's staff picnic.

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

judy

Hi Judy and Skinny, both of you are doing on your WOE. Skinny, congrats on the 2 pounds. I think that you're better off weighing at home at the same time of day without clothes on. Drinking a glass of water, wearing jeans instead of shorts, etc. all make the weight vary. I go to the bathroom first thing in the morning, then weigh without clothes. That way the only variable is the water retention from the day before. Other weigh ins are okay, I just take them with a grain of salt (which, btw, adds to water retention)

Judy, you sound like me - I've moved all over the country. Originally learned to talk on the east coast and it was amazing when I moved back for 6 years how all the accents came back. Now I talk like an Oregonian. You probably adapt to the native soundd like I do.

I'm very bored at work. I caught up with everything and all the servers are working. YEAH! So today I'm 3FCing and silently singing along with my music (there's a training going on in my office so those 2 probably wouldn't appreciate me belting it out). tonight I plan to write after I swim laps and do my situps. I didn't do them last night since I was one step away from the bathroom to puke. I do feel better today but just a little queasy. I think I had a stomach bug or the supplements I started didn't agree with me. I didn't take them today. Once I feel all the way better, I will add them back individually so I know.

I guess I should find some work to do...

Please send positive thought waves my way--I'm heading off to our staff picnic. It's been pouring down rain so we'll probably be inside most of the time (with tables of food). I have a strategy of filling up on healthy stuff first; using the fact that I'll have to take an antihistamine (pet allergies) as an excuse to say no to alcohol; and to remember how mad I am at myself for regaining a few pounds this summer instead of losing more.

Now see, you've helped me already, just by being there! I'll let you know how it went.

Hope you're all having a lovely day!

judy

Hi all, it's good to be back. Last Monday - the boys were crabby, the house was clean and I was looking forward to a week of referring. Our usual activities were cancelled due to my son's fractured wrist so . . . I packed the sleeping bags, tent, boys and headed to Maine for a nature fix and hiking. It was beautiful! We hiked three small mountains and took a nature boat cruise. This health journey is making me rethink all my choices. I'm realizing that I do a lot of things because I think they are the right things to do when in reality I'm pleasing the person I think I should be rather than the one I am. Hiking in the mountains is me and when I do things that "are me" I eat healthy and live healthy.

I read through the entries. Marie, wow!!!!!! I'm so happy for you. Carol is a great grandma to talk to. You are so loving and kind to your son and I've heard you "talk" about your future daughter in law lots so I know she's a good woman. I'm looking forward to all the news in the months ahead. Good job with the exercising too. Hope you feel better - any chance you're pregnant too???? Remember that old film when the mom and daughter become pregnant at the same time - very funny!

Judy, good to hear from you. I love reading your intelligent insights on life and health. I know you're going to reach your goal. I hope the party went well.

Carol - I'm guessing that you're out in the forest camping and hiking. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Skinny - great job loosing weight. It's good to have you back online. You're so positive and have so many inspiring things to say.

I have no idea how much I weigh. I've been making better choices and not eating as much in between. I've been exercising. I'm glad you're all here. Thanks.

Hi everyone, it's 6:00 am and I'm already up and ready for the day. I can not tell you how much better I feel off the meds. It's now been 2 weeks since the last mind altering drug. I feel free and so clean. It's hard to describe. I do know I'm manic but thanks to my friends on this thread and another, I think we have it under control. My main bad side effect of mania is that I spend money like I'm rich (which I am definitely not). I've gotten us into credit card **** several times. Because my friends here told me to tell DH everything that I do, how I hide it, how I get the cards, etc last February, DH knows how to watch for the signs and I can't get away with squat. Pretty cool how this board has changed my life. So I am not shopping without DH knowing. I haven't even bought anything for the new baby. Pretty amazing, huh?

Oops, I got distracted for an hour and bought two new hummingbird feeders. I guess I'm not being all that good.

Anyway, I lost another pound (weighin yesterday). I'm eating and exercising. I've given up all diet soda and am drinking only water (this was an effect of the stomach bug - soda irritated it and now it looks icky).

TOF, I'm glad you're making better choices. You're doing really good and figuring out that you were trying to be the person you thought you should be instead of who you are is a great realization. When do you go back to work?

Carol, I'm thinking of you and the granddaughter. I'll need lots of grandmotherly advice.

Skinny, how's it going?

Judy, how did the staff picnic go? Those are hard, aren't they? I'm not a good social eater. I can stay on plan at home and mostly at work, but social situations get me.

Got to get going. TTYL.