Haven't been on for awhile, we went on vacation in June and I gained 8.6# but got 5 off the first week back and then the next week they said that I gained 9# and then the week after got 6# off and have gained the 2 weeks after that. So I have decided that it is from not having time to do my cooking thing and get some things made ahead of time and I have been scheduled for knee surgery the 27th of this month for a revision of my right knee and I figured that I could lose anything until after surgery and then I thought as long as I thought that way that was how it would be so decided to make sure that I was really on program these next 3 weeks. My dh and I are paying for my brother who weighed in at 501 and so far he has gotted 25# off. So other than being in pain almost all of the time, everything is fine.
Vivian

Melissa- good job on the walking.If you keep that up you will def balance things out.Not to mention they say walking helps with labor and it worked for me both pregnancies!
Vickie- Hopefully the storms passed you by.I am too a scardy cat when it comes to them.I remeber one time I was home alone when my eldest was a baby,I literally took her out of the crib sleeping and sat in the hallway where there was no windows until Jim came home lol he will never let me forget that night.Glad your Jim is ok! and hope you feel better
Sandra- have fun on your little journey! Good luck on the scale.I know what you mean about a fresh week its such a releif!
Rhonda- hope you feel better! I too have been having rough week.
Tech- hopefully work settles down some!
Kathy- you poor thing! hopefully the swelling goes down.Get some rest
Paula- sounds like a plan.I was actually looking for parks in my area yesterday and there wasnt much as far as tracks,I did find a state park with walking trails in your neck of the woods,when Jim's back is better Think will head down there.I also did not eat after 8 last night and the scale liked it!
vivian- just head back on plan you can do it!

Today is a cleaning day for me.I do not want to do ANYTHING this weekend but grocery shop and go to my meeting.Luckly we have no social events and nothing to temp me lol We just going to have a relaxing weekend,will plant my tomatoes ,cukes and pepppers tho.Will be going for a walk too!
Jim's back is out,he claims his Dr. said no more housework lol I asked for it in writing.Poor guy is on flexiral and high doses of motrin
I will bbl

Kathy - ouch! One wasp sting hurts several would be really bad. Hope the swelling went down over night.

Vicki - Have fun on the boat. Good luck on that royal flush

Tiki - have a fun relaxing weekend. Too bad about Jim's back, hope it gets better soon.

Off to sweat and talk to the kiddies (that should probably be the other way around).

Have a great day everyone.

- Tech

Good morning everyone. Well, another successful day OP. I did have my tea last night and a piece of core chocolate cake. Since Wednesday I've used only 1 pt each day and earned 2 pts each day for activity. I'm also trying not to get on the scale constantly. Hopefully this will all show something good next Wednesday.

Tiki, hope you find a good place to walk. In my town there is alot of conservation areas that have walking trails, you may find something similar in your town or ones near by. Hope Jim's back is better soon -- I pulled mine out last fall by coughing. It actually froze on me - very painful. Not fun at all.

Kathy, ouch! I don't think I've ever been stung by wasps or bees. My dad is alergic to bees - swells up just like you did. Hope your feeling better soon. When do the at work sessions start up again? It is very conveint for me to have it at work.

Sandra, good luck at wi today and at your tournament! Safe travels!

Melissa, glad your feeling better. Enjoy the next 3 months - they are the best. Your feeling better, the baby is moving, you can still move. Enjoy! When do you go for your u/s? Will you find out what sex the baby is? I did, I couldn't not -- too many things to get ready to not know.

Vivian, welcome back. Hope you stick around more often. Today is a new day - just focus on it.

Well, need to get moving. BBL.

Kathy - you poor darling - how horrid for you! I am hoping you are feeling better today and that the swelling has receded. I once got bitten on the front of my thigh - and the thing swelled up like a big red, hot raised pancake - no kidding like 8 inches in diameter. Lots of meds and creams and I am certain I might be allergic - have my epipen for nut allergies and feel better cuz I would use it in case of another bite!

Vickie - hope you hit that flush and get a big jackpot. How long does it take for the pool to warm up? Bet you can't wait. Glad Jim got an all clear from the dr - I can understand your relief.

Vivian - good luck w/the surgery and the weight loss!

Melissa - glad to hear you have a bit more energy - I agree the 'middle' trimester is the best - feeling better, not that huge yet - so enjoy it while you can

Sandra - can't wait to see that article! Have fun

Paula - you are very inspiring - sounds like you are on track! Good for you.

Rhonda - hope the meds help and you are feeling no pain!

I was home yesterday - bad night, bad headache, bad fight w/dh (yes again about chauffeuring kids around - he has such a major issue with this and I just don't get it!). We finally have a therapist appt in a couple of weeks (not soon enuf) so maybe we can work this out? (eventually?)

I have committed to my 'stop the madness' plan and trying to eat in a more controlled and thoughtful manner. I actually taped a piece of paper - on which is typed in big colorful letters STOP THE MADNESS - and below numbered from 20 to 1 - indicating pounds lost. I see this all the time as it is taped on the bottom of my computer screen - a good reminder! Also chugging more water which helps. Might try to find a 'similar' ticker? Also need to add some exercise into the mix.

Dh out tonight jamming/practicing for a gig next week, dd out as well so probably just me and the little guy - not sure if we will do anything or not. Nothing much planned this weekend except dd's dance recital sunday afternoon (YIPPEE)...then big ds' birthday on Monday - can't believe he is turning 21 (yes I had him when I was 10 )

Frouf

Good afternoon, Ladies:

So far, so good today. I looked through the avatars and decided to keep the dancer BECAUSE I need to remind myself to dance MORE, both literally and metaphorically.

When DH and I had lunch with Froufy we all talked about her dd's dancing lessons and recitals. I was also a dancer as a child and teenager...WHERE did it go!!?? I loved it, was good at it, and need to get it back!

Kathy, I was stung by bees twice at my outdoor wedding to my now- deceased husband..right in the middle of the service! They had flown up my skirt, reached the waist band and stung me (couldn't they just fly back out the way they came!!??). Well, I grabbed my belly area and squashed them and carried on. No one noticed, and I decided that if I fainted I would be all right because there were at least three physicians and one nurse at the wedding. But, I was so "high" from the wedding and the bee stings that my heart was just racing. My belly was a mess, as you might imagine.

Anyway, that's my bee story...hope you're well soon!

Vivian, that is so sweet of you to be paying for your brother. You'll be part of saving his life, for sure.

I didn't sleep at all last night but, luckily, I don't have to be at work until tonight when I have to go to a social function. It will be difficult to stay OP with all the goodies to eat and drink there. I'll be as good as I can be!

I think I need a nap!

Rhonda

Hi chickies! Went for my appt today and had a scare--they couldn't find the baby's heartbeat. So I got an ultrasound instead! The little booger was bouncing around all over the place and the hearbeat was 171. Yay!!
We are definitely going to find out the sex! I wouldn't be able to stand it. I'm already dying to know! Although everyone is convinced it's a girl. We'll see. :baby:

Vickie, good luck tonight! I hope that you all have a ton of fun (and win some $).

Kathy, bless your heart (and hand). You just never fail for excitement. I hope that you are feeling better today!

Sandra, I don't know where you're going but have fun! No, we don't know what the baby is yet...it will probably be July or August before the next ultrasound.

Frouf and Paula, I have heard that about the 2nd trimester. I'm definitely experiencing less fatigue which is wonderful.

The scale at the doctor's office was up 7# since the last time, but last time it was morning and today it was late afternoon. Plus I had on tennis shoes. I'm blaming those two things!

Talk to you all again soon!

Rhonda, what a wedding story! Bless your heart!

Well I went to work but first, this morning when I got up my hand was even MORE swollen and I could barely get my wedding rings off. Usually they're so loose I'm in danger of losing them (never did get them resized like I started to do a zillion times) but I finally got it off and 10 hours later you can still see the indention. The back of my hand is quite rounded and it was hard to write, but typing is easier now. Thanks for all the ouchies! I was really needing sympathy today!

Vickie, GOOD LUCK!! I would love for you to make out big at the casino! Wouldn't that be awesome???

Frouf, my baby turned 21 a few weeks ago and it's hard to fathom that she's that old. I ... um ... also had her when I was 10, but since her brother is 8 years older than her, I have a hard time getting anyone to believe me. Anyway, happy birthday to our buddy Joel! And good luck with the therapist appointment.

I saw your post about mindless eating and am about to go read it thoroughly.

Melissa, I always believe in finding out beforehand if possible. People say "I want to be surprised" but isn't it the same surprise no matter WHEN you find out? And this way it's easier to plan because who wants to bring a boy home to a pink room??? I know there are "baby neutral" colors and some of the bedding is EXQUISITE! Still though ... it really helps with shower gifts and planning ahead, like say for instance you had a cyber friend who liked to make baby quilts and wanted to make one that was gender-appropriate. Hypothetically speaking, of course.

Paula, I've been meaning to tell you that Sarah's picture the other day was so cute! What a big girl she's getting to be!! I think our meetings are over for the summer but will start back in the fall (hopefully) and if I'm still struggling this much, I will definitely join. They even take the dues out of our payroll so how much easier could it be??

Tiki, I planted my tomatoes and peppers last weekend and that's what I was trying to water when I got stung. I just went back out to check them and they're a teensy bit dry but I'm waiting to water them after Judd gets home. Just in case, you know.

Donna, I also liked the picture!

Welcome back, Vivian!

I'm going to go rest my hand for a little while and figure out what's for dinner.

Good Morning Chicks! I have lots to say but have to get ready for the treadmill repair guy. I'll be back later.

Drink your water and have a good on program day!

Quiet the past day. Hope everyone is well and OP. Got to clean a bit then go grocery shopping. Already am planning on core chicken caccitori for lunch next week, need to make that today, then tomorrow I'll make crockpot beef - the one with ketchup and diet coke, that will be for Monday night, Tuesday is sessame chicken, wed is potato and ham casserol. I feel good to already have things planned. Our grill died so its been a challenge to cook - dont' like broiled meat, too used to using my grill. We are going shopping for a new one tomorrow.

I'm also going to make the almost core apple cake. Been eating the chocolate cake for a couple of weeks, need a change. Its amazing all the things you can make with oatmeal!

Well, off to get breakfast.

Morning All:

Paula, that almost core apple cake is really good, which I guess you know! I had to freeze most of mine when I made it because it was just too tempting to have it out and accessible!

I was NOT good last night at the reception I attended. But, back on track today. Drinking my water, Vickie. I'm also going to get some in and otherwise behave

We have our doors open a lot now that the weather is warmer which means that the s come in the back door. I wish they wouldn't because my backyard is a graveyard!

Be good today, and have a good day!

Rhonda

Slow as usual around here ... geez, does anyone remember the old days when we were really hoppin'? Wonder what happened?

I went to work for a little while this morning, then to the store, then made my menu for the week (Paula, I know exactly what you mean about planning). I have gone thru the fridge, freezer and pantry and choices are as follows:

1. Eggplant parmesan, whole wheat spaghetti, wedge salad with diced tomatoes and garlic caesar
2. Broiled fish (we have cod and tilapia), brown rice, steamed yellow squash, mushrooms, orange bell pepper strips
3. Grilled chicken, butternutsquash, peas (none for me, thanks)
4. Burritos, refried beans, diced tomatoes and onions on top
5. Shrimp, whole wheat spaghetti, broccoli, canned tomatoes, garlic (it's like spaghetti but not really), wheat rolls
6. Turkey tenderloin, baked sweet potatoes, beets, green beans, wheat rolls
7. Lean hamburger patties, anasazi beans, oven fried potatoes (need potatoes), Jiffy cornbread
8. Cheese lasagna, salad, garlic toast
9. Quesadillas with mozzarella, corn, black beans, green onions (need green onions) ... and salsa (guac?)

Kate called in tears; her car needs a new catalytic converter to the tune of $400 and up. For a girl who probably doesn't have a spare $40, that's a fortune. I gave her $100 yesterday and am paying her car payment this month (another $200) so if she can come up with the rest, maybe she can get it fixed. It is starting now though; seems as though when it rests for a long period of time, it'll start. If she drives, turns it off, then tries to start it again, it won't start. I have no idea what's wrong but her lame-o dad really upset her when he said something like "well, you need yada-yada-yada, good luck to ya and bye." He didn't offer to fix it or help pay for it, and all probably because he doesn't like Kate's boyfriend. I told him I wasn't crazy about the guy either but I'm not going to hang her out to dry just for that reason. She still needs help. Sheeesh ... and NOW she knows why we aren't still married. She was calling him names that I can't really repeat without getting banned from the board.

Okay, let's see what else. The hand is nearly back to normal but I'm still afraid to wear my wedding ring, so I have stored it for now and moved the anniversary band over to the left side because it's about a half size bigger and fits. I'm still putting Benadryl gel on it to help with the swelling and sensitive skin.

I planted six more plants in the front beds last night ... maybe I should go and take some pictures. In the words of the TLC designers, it's starting to POP! We like color around here. I have one more bed to clean out and plant, but it's over at the side and is only like 6 feet wide. It'll wait.

Shaun called from the ship and said they're going out next week for a training mission, and then will also go the next week. He thinks the deployment has been moved up to December from March and will last for 9 months. At least he's staying busy and the ship is small enough (fewer than 300 sailors) so that he might be able to make some friends. Hope so.

Alright, that's it for me. Everybody stay good.

Oh and morning weight? 147. Wrong direction. It's time for drastic action.

Kathy - hope the hand is almost healed? Are you taking any oral antihistamines as well? Poor kate - too bad her dad won't help out - sure sounds like you have your hands full.

Rhonda - loved your bee story - how awful to get stung during the wedding ceremony - luckily you didn't start jumping around and shrieking

Vickie is obviously off spending her hard won cash?

Melissa - we also first said we didn't want to know - then broke down - esp as we were moving houses and I didn't know if I should keep or pack up the baby boy clothes or baby girl clothes! BUT WE DID NOT TELL ANYONE! It was our little secret cuz I really really wanted dh to have the fun of calling everyone and telling them what we had! Worked out really well.

Took little ds to see Surf's up last night and was quite controlled with my popcorn consumption - which is rare - trying hard to be very conscious of what I am putting in my mouth and whether or not I am truly hungry.

Out shopping today - got the 'birthday' boy some new clothes - even stuff for dd altho she has been banished off the internet and sent to clean her room - no small feat - her idea of cleaning and mine are very very different - I want to like see the top of the desk and dressers and she doesn't get it? Told her she can't go out tonight or tomorrow - so far she is whining, crying, complaining - everythin BUT cleaning her room - sigh.....

Even little ds had to get new clothes - pulled out the 'summer clothing' box from his cupboard to find some short - and NONE of them fit - talk about a growth spurt! He has gone off with dh to sil's pool for the day and I know he is having a ball there!

Slept in til 10:30 am - but may still need a nap right?

Frouf

Frouf, this might not work with dd but it's worth a shot ... what if you and her went around to model homes for a little mom-and-me time. She might need to see what you mean by CLEAN. If you were to say "your room should look like THIS" -- would that be effective? Maybe she just doesn't get it. And does she have mucho storage containers and boxes? Oooh, what about a label maker of her own? She could organize and label her stuff. It's just a thought. I'm trying to think of what worked with my girls when they were that age. Erin was so clean you could eat off her ceiling fan blades but Kate was a challenge.

I just took the leaf out of the breakfast room table. Yeah, yeah ... I know I'm bragging about such an exciting life. Now I'm off to the store once again and this time for laundry detergent. Judd just finished mowing the yard and is showering; I'm sure he's pooped after working most of the day and then coming home to yardwork. It's kinda hot outside here (92 degrees F). Now he's ready to sit down. I'll grill when I get back from the store and then make the sides.

Afternoon Ladies!
Went to my meeting and lost 2.6! I had gained 1.4 last week so I'm sure it wasnt fat and probably some retention of fluids so techincally I lost 1.2 Which is fine and dandy in my book.Good news is I tried my bridemaids dress on this morning again since Ive lost a few since I lost tried it and it fits perfectly-well the top anyways and this time I zippered it on my own! last time my girlfiriend had to zipper it,tell me to suck it in and then told me i wasnt allowed to bend over LOL so the bottom still needs a major hem and tuck.I swear the lady wrote my measurements wrong I'm 5'5 how can I have over a foot over? She probably is looking for an alteration fee as well!
ok off my soap box

Paula- I was hoping the least a park with a track.might have to check out a couple high schools,although I dont want to be some place deserted by myself with 2 children,that just scares me.I will keep looking.Good job with the planning! Might have to take a look at almost core apple cake

Melissa- I do not know how people keep it a surprise!! I NEEDED to find out both mine.One time they couldnt tell,I actually went to a 3d ultrasound place on my lunch break and PAID 60 dollars so wwe would know LOL besides Kathy is right at your shower you dont want everything green and yellow!

Kathy- Glad everything seems to be normal with your bee stings.Sorry about Kate,its really not fair that her dad was so oblivious in her need of help.I will add Shaun to my prayers for the armed forces.

Frouf I like your idea of keeping it a secret from everyone! sounds like you have been busy toot tooting around.I can recall even myself as a kid my version of clean and my mothers,very different lol She will grow out of it.Surprised the grounding is not working.Have you tried time outs? that works sometimes with mine lolol she might go even crazier sitting in a corner! good job on the popcorn! Next time we go I have to sneak some core popcorn in..no control at the movies lol