Zuki still has "issues" -- he can now stick his lipstick out, and he's not supposed to be able to. There's a small, VERY red spot on the end of it, and if it's still there at next checkup he'll be the biopsy then. He and DH just left for Taco Bell and Linens 'n Things to buy some new lamps for the bedroom. You'd think he was a child the way he begs to go! :lol:

The furniture is here and so now we're trying to figure out the rest of rearranging. We have decided that our bedroom needs to return to just being a bedroom, so the computers are going away. He's taking my desk because it's nicer, and putting it in the living room up front. Mine will go on the desk that now has the sewing machine on it, and it'll go in the first living room upstairs. The Gazelle is going in the second living room as well as the little table by my bed downstairs where the fax machine was because now I have an nightstand and the fax machine won't fit on it too, and the sewing stuff will go in the old dresser that WAS downstairs but now is going up to the guest room ... and so on and so on. It's a mental challenge to get it all placed but we'll do it eventually.

Idol tonight! YES!!

Wow - Kathy - two living rooms and all that furniture to be rearranged - probably good exercise moving it around?? Have fun playing with your new "toys"!

Vickie - good for you for eating fish at least once a week. We have also been trying to incorporate more of it - dh is more scared of it than I am. He usually looks a bit frightened when I put salmon on the table - then eats it and is somewhat surprised that it actually tastes good (and yes he drowns it, and everything else he eats in worcestshire sauce).

Lisa - hang in there - you show that weight that it's not the boss of you - it will eventually come off!

Angela - good for you - sounds like the dr was suitably impressed and I also predict your bloodwork will be excellent!

Terry - I am impressed that you are off to the gym - way to go! I have not exercised in a few days and should really get this body moving - I am so unmotivated:(

Oh cher - I LOVE smoked salmon and could eat it forever....I am salivating now!

As for my eating - maybe 2 caramels is all the damage done this afternoon...and yes my table won a "prize" for getting the most answers right so we were rewarded with a big bagful of small boxes of smarties and fruit chews - I quickly distributed it around the room and ate my veggies and dip and drank my water......there was also a big bag of red licorice in the room (can you tell I was watching it carefully?) and I really wanted some but knew it would be my downfall so I resisted. Going home and I know dh will NOT have defrosted anything so will try to thaw something and cook it real quick?

DD update - well looks like no therapist appt for at least 2 weeks so it has been suggested that we take dd to the emergency of the children's hospital here to have her assessed by a professional. I am unclear of the urgency, but I guess it beats waiting 2 weeks (altho nothing has changed as far as I can tell?). The only thing I am not looking forward to is sitting in the emergency waiting room for HOURS - which is probably what will happen - need to bring a good book with me! Will probably go tomorrow as dd has dancing tonight!

Frouf :cool:

Ugh. I hate hospitals. Definitely bring a good book and some good Core snacks, too. Hospitals never have any healthy food options available. Our Children's Hospital has a restaurant in a lobby right next to the emergency room. A McDonald's. I guess it is partly because McD's funds the Ronald McDonald houses, but still...


Yeah, the salmon was great. I'm always on the lookout for interesting breakfasts, because I'm really just not a cereal fan, and when I do eat cereal, even the heavy duty stuff like oatmeal, I'm ravenous an hour later.

Good for you getting some fish in, Vickie. I grew up near Chicago and I used to love going to places that served lake perch or walleye. Froglegs, too (Yes, I was a weird kid.) It was usually drowned in butter, though, but it could probably be made without it by request. Here is San Diego, fish tacos are a specialty and one of the only fast-food things I can take the kids for that won't totally kill the plan.

Froufy, leave it to you to look for the positive side! I will indeed count all the furniture moving as "weight lifting" exercises. I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow. The family room downstairs is the only one of the four living areas that isn't getting in on the overhaul. I would love to have a smaller house but I just know it would be that much more crowded. I'm hopeful that the girls will take stuff with them when they move out, and I've called DS to tell him to come get some things too. We seriously need to declutter.

My eating plan went by the wayside this afternoon when DH went lamp shopping. He said he was going to get some lunch and what did I want, so I said Taco Bell. He got me a taco salad fresco style and I ate it but not much of the shell. Just had the lettuce, beans, etc. Hopefully it's not too bad. Now I don't know if I am going to cook dinner or not. I do know that little DD threw a fit on her way to work because there wasn't anything she could just reach in and grab in the fridge. I told her this is neither a convenience store nor a cafeteria, and she should plan ahead (i.e. get up earlier and make a lunch), and then told her to get gone before I got mad and said something I would regret. That girl sure is sweet mostly, but she can tick me off at times. We bought her a new computer and it arrived today but her room is a mess so we're not going to wipe the old one clean and hook this one up until she does some major improvements to that pig pen.

I sure don't want to go back to work tomorrow, but I guess I might as well shut up and go. :lol: Does absolutely no good to complain!

SUGAR & SALT ATTACK!
 

Gee...an in home convenience store or cafetaria sounds good to me??? Where do I sign up? :D :D

Definitely count and use those AP points Kathy!!! No sense wasting all that "weight lifting".

I am here to confess that my bloated stomach is due to a little pig out on my part! :ink: yes it might just be time to get that rolling pin out...and use it on myself!

Of course when i came home there was no food in sight - dd had made mac & cheese and was feeding herself and little ds (eldest at work tonight). Dh was upstairs watching a video that had to be returned today (ya, what a bright idea to start watching a video at 5:30 pm after picking up ds from school!). I have asked dh to at least please defrost something (and maybe try and cook it?) so there will be dinner when I get home!

I was of course hungry and cranky - ate the rest of a container of couscous salald (couscous, veggies, canola oil and lemon juice), then some baked pita chips and salsa. Drove dd to dance class and came back. WAs cleaning up and found that NEARLY empty bag of chips - thank goodness only the crumbs were left - and gone by the time the bag hit the garbage....then a chaser of birthday cake - yes the last piece from the freezer! YUM - lots of water followed that and now I am definitely pretty full.

I feel yucky about the cake - but I know I am feeling stressed, upset, emotional and TOM on top of this - so I am pretending I was at a great party this evening - instead of being upset at how much I ate - I am trying to be pleased at how little I ate - figuring if I actually was at a party of special event and had just a handful of chips and a piece of cake that would not be so bad....in the big picture.

I just feel I need to get on top of this and I am having some trouble....I seem to be okay at work, but things fall apart as soon as I get home (gee...i wonder why??).

Not sure about tomorrow and timing of hospital visit - feel I definitely need to go home, to change and EAT A PROPER DINNER and then go , but I know my ex will want to take dd right after school - I think I might suggest I meet them there but I feel this is somewhat irresponsible of me, and what if they actually get to talk to someone and Im not there yet? Other option is to go from work but pick up a salad or something core-like on the way - yes I agree that the hospital food may not be a good option for me!

Feeling VERY TIRED today after a long busy training day....and I know I am stressed cuz driving home from work I got that most annoying eye twitch/tic that I only get very occasionally when I'm supremely tired or stressed - not a good sign!

Thanks for listening!

Froufie:)

Froufie,
Those eye twitches are the worst! I think the Core-like salad on the way to the hospital might be your best bet, if your ex insists on taking dd directly after school.

I think a handful of chips and a piece of birthday cake isn't bad at all. I cheat that badly at least once a week. :o

Try to relax tonight. I think you should take a bubble bath, listen to some calming music, and go to bed early.

Off to my guitar lesson!
Angela

Oh dear! Frouf, it just piles on and on, doesn't it? Bless your heart. Now if there's a good side to it, at least your Pyrex dish didn't explode all over your dinner!!! (I still can't get over that, Melissa!!)

My little DD and I are still at odds. We unpacked the computer while DH went up to the bar with the neighbor, because she insists on hooking it up herself. I know he will have a fit over that, but I say she's 18 and well capable of doing it, so let her. Anyway, the computer doesn't have a floppy drive so she can't save to a disk, which was a BAD idea, and she wanted two CD drives so she could copy CDs -- it only has one. Why on earth he didn't run it by her before he ordered is a mystery. And I told him she wanted to be able to copy CDs and he said "it'll be just like mine." He has 2 drives and a 5-1/4" drive as well, so I figured hers would too. I'm going to insist we send it back and reorder correctly. He'll probably get mad but whatever! Good night, it's a gift, she'll have it for a long time, and it should be the way she wants it. Period.

I'm pooped from moving furniture and fighting with the world today, so I'm going to bed. Night, all!

Wow, Kathy, you have been busy. I bet you slept like a log last night! I hope Zuki is ok. No one wants their beloved pets to have to go through biopsies and other icky stuff! I agree with you about the computer for your daughter. It should be exactly what she wants. I bought mine last January and it had to have two drives and a floppy. The extra drive and the floppy drive won't add that much to the price.....not once you are already paying $1,000 plus!

Cher, believe it or not I have never eaten perch but I have had walleye and liked it. Jim won't let me cook fish at home. He won't eat it and he doesn't want to smell it cooking. He doesn't ask much so I don't force the issue. Actually, I'd rather have it at a restaurant because I really don't know how to prepare it anyway. I figure if I'm just trying it for the first time I should try it prepared properly to give it a fighting chance!

Frouf, JMHO, but you should do what is good for you. What difference will a couple of hours make for you to go home and change and have a good meal. From what I can see, you put everyone before yourself. Maybe you should tell Ex DH no, you will not go straight there. If he insists then tell him you have to stop somewhere to eat. You said your stomach has been bothering you these last couple of weeks. I have stomach trouble and to let it get too empty is a recipe for ulcer and gastritis. Take care of yourself, Frouf, so that you can take care of your daughter. It doesn't sound like you've strayed too far off of your plan. I'm sure your points covered some of the food. It's funny though, you sound like me. I'd have to get rid of the cake because as long as I knew it was in the freezer it would call to me. I'd eat it frozen solid! I used to do that with chocolates. Now I know that I can't have them in the house. I literally could not stop eating them until they were gone. I hope today goes well for you and your daughter.

Hi all,

Just wanted to pop in quickly and let you know I enjoyed catching up on your news. Reading about Kathy's furniture adventures was almost as good as having a houseful of new furniture myself! :) Sure did miss doing all that heavy moving around though! Ha! :lol: I know you enjoyed that time off, Kathy, so I hope your first day back at work isn't hugely stressful! Maybe they'll give you a little time to catch your breath before they dump the next short-deadline project on your desk!

Vickie, I'm glad you had a good rest-up day yesterday, although I know you enjoyed the time with your great-niece and great-nephew. I hope the physical therapy works for your elbow. I also was diagnosed with tennis elbow about a year ago ... go figure since I haven't played tennis in years! :) ... but the PT didn't help my pain at all. The 1st steroid shot caused a blissful lack of pain for at least 3 months but the next one only worked for about a month and my orthopedic doctor has a limit of 2 shots (he says it causes tissue necrosis if given too frequently. :( ) Oddly enough, my pain seems to come and go these days for no apparent reason. Maybe because now I fixate on the pain in my left knee, which is no doubt aggravated by all the pounds I've piled back on over the past year! Middle-age is so fun, isn't it? :)

Angela, way to go on the good doctor's check-up. Did you get your cholesterol results back yet? I'm sure they are perfect!

Lisa, how did WI go for you this week? I know how much you want to break out of that plateau so I hope this will be the week for you! I think varying your exercise will probably help to get you moving down on the scale again too. Did DS finally overcome his pink eye and diarrhea?

Froufy, I so admire you for continuing to plug away and keep going without giving in to emotional eating. I'm with Vickie though ... you MUST take care of yourself and find an outlet so that you don't internalize all this hurt and stress. I hope you will let all your feelings out when you see the therapist, with or without your husband. Maybe somehow it will sink into his selfish head just how much he has hurt you and how he has single-handedly almost destroyed the love you have for him. I hope today's trip to the hospital with DD won't be too stressful ... I know how worried you are and how anxious you are for her to start counseling. Keep venting here as often as you need to and I hope you know how proud we are of you for staying so focused and aware of your eating ... as long as you can control that, you ARE in control and that's a good thing! :grouphug:

Cher, I'm sorry your WI wasn't what you had hoped for ... that's always so aggravating, I know! I have never heard of fish tacos in my life ... sounds pretty gruesome to me, but then I'm kind of right there with Vickie's DH. Fish is not one of my favorites. Alas, if it swims, it's got to be fried in my book! :)

Terry, I'm sorry office politics have reared an ugly head to get your day off to a bad start yesterday. Hopefully, the rain slipped out of your area so that you can resume your daily walks ... it sounded as though you really enjoyed them. How was the trip to the gym? I think it's great that you are determined to keep some physical activity in your daily schedule, come rain or shine! :)

Gosh, here I've been rambling on and it's lunch time for me! :) My stomach has been growling for an hour, it seems ... I skipped my snack this morning and I can surely tell. I've done well on my eating today ... even resisted Krispy Kreme doughnuts this morning ... unheard of will power for me these days! :lol: But I better go get lunch or I might cave in! :lol:

Have a great Wednesday and best of luck to everyone who has a Wednesday WI! Since there are so many new folks popping in lately, maybe we could post a separate thread where everyone lists their WI day? It would surely help me remember ... or maybe we could all go back to our profiles and add our WI day to that? What do you think?

One more quick thought before I leave. Just wanted to tell Frannie how good it was to hear from her and be sure to let us know how Curves worked for you. I went for 3 months last year and didn't lose an inch ... I was so bummed out because I was the ONLY person in the whole posse of middle-aged women who worked out with me that didn't lose one single inch. And I worked hard too! :?:

hi guys I'm here I just fell off the wagon pretty hard and am trying to cliimb back on also been mega stressful at work hopefully i can pop in later!
not enough time to read through the 2 pages ahhhh bbl!

Deborah, maybe you're like me. I lost almost 40 pounds a couple of years ago and only went down one clothing size. I guess when I get fat it just spreads out in an even layer all over my body. Last time I decided it was really time to lose some weight when I noticed my watchband was getting tight.

In other news, I just had two hotdogs with mustard and ketchup. For breakfast. I'm such a weirdo. (They were only 2 points each, though, including the buns. Hebrew National 97% fat-free, if you're interested.)

Thanks for the great pep talk ladies - it always helps to see other "opinions"...yes I probably do drive myself pretty hard - but it's just in my nature to do so! Of course I never consider that something might happen to me - figure I am like the energizer bunny - I keep going and going, but you're right eventually the batteries will run out!

...and this is a great place to vent (gee everyone "listens" so well, and no one talking back to me! :D )

Woke up w/headache today and a bit congested? Took some meds, and still have a headache so just popped two more advil. ...and yes the eye twitch is back again - probably stress as I am trying to get to bed earlier these days!

Cher - thanks for the tip - might need to pick up some ff hot dogs on my us shopping trip!

Deborah - congrats on resisting those krispy kreme donuts - good for you! I too as you know am trying to at least stay in control of my eating. I just want to eat FATTENING, YUMMY stuff.....not sure where this is coming from, but have to be vigilant so that it does not get the best of me! :s:

Vickie - yes I know of what you speak - like when there is something left in the house and you just have to finish it to know it's gone and then it does not call your name anymore! Boy that cake was loud as I could hear it thru the freezer door!!! :dizzy:

Angela - how are the lessons coming? Any cd's coming out yet?

Still waiting for confirmation from ex that we are taking dd to emergency today ??? I am kinda prepared and don't want to wait now - what's the point? I believe if they feel she is in "danger" they can fast-track her within the system...otherwise maybe they can provide a good referral?

....and I even brought a change of clothes w/me (jeans/sweatshirt/runners) and a library book so I can go directly from work if I need to!

Later,

Froufie

Froufie, no cd's as of yet, (I've got 4 lessons under my belt now :) ) but I DID write a song for fun last week. It's about a dead burro - not exactly high class. :D

I sang/played it for my kids, and they wanted to know what happened to the burro. Then they made me make up a happy burro song. Hee hee.

Good luck with the hospital tonight. I hope you get it done with a minimum of stress. Sounds like you're prepared for anything.

And, I know what you mean about pushing yourself. I think I'm the same way. I always say I want time to myself, but if I get any free time, I just find myself aimlessly wandering around looking for some work to do.

On another topic, has anyone here heard of FlyLady? I did it a few years ago, and loved it, and I've re-signed up for it again this week. I still LOVE it! My house is so clean, I have more time to spend playing with the kids, and I feel organized...aaah!

Angela

Angela, I am a former flylady (actually a Payroll SHE) -- did it for a looong time and loved having a shiny sink all the time! :D AND less clutter, of course. I think I'll go sign up again too!

Angela and Kathy, I never made it much past the Flybaby stage. By the time I got home from work every day, and read all the Flylady e-mails, I didn't have much time to do anything else. My organizational skills leave something to be desired. :lol: I do visit the website fairly often though, to pick up tips. And I might manage a 27-fling boogie this weekend ... DH will be out of town so it will be his stuff, of course! :lol:

Yup, I know what you mean Deborah. It was hard for me too which is why I quit before. :lol: I deleted most of the emails unless they pertained to something I needed. Actually doing it on your own works as well, if you pick two rooms a week and clean them thoroughly, a little bit every day. I have to force myself to throw things away but I've been collecting them in a box and wait for calls from the Leukemia Society or Paralyzed Vets (or some such org).

Partay with the Monkay!
 

:coffee: OK ladies, shine those sinks and give away your DH's prized bowling shirts and sports memorabilia later. For now, chill out and have some coffee with me. :cofdate:

I was so worried about yesterday's WI, since the previous week was just a .2 loss. I just needed it to be more than a pound, ya know.

And, it was over 3! :goodscale

I'm one happy Monkey. :) Time for Starbucks. :coffee2:

Yay, Terry!! That is great!!! Congratulations to you!

YAY MONKAY - you rock! You must be thrilled - and now you have PROOF that the weight will EVENTUALLY come off - esp if you stick to it and don't get discouraged! Keep up the good work and enjoy your starbucks treat (wish I could join you!).

Kierie - grab a hand and hop back on - we're moving over to haul you back on the wagon!

Angela - dead burros? Geez - I agree that a happy burro song was in order! How about a song about fat froufies that get less fluffy? :)

Now if flylady is the one that tells you how to clean your house I am so NOT INTERESTED - my goal in life is to do as little housework as possible and so far I am succeeding....lol. Now clutter is a problem, esp dh who is a packrat and keeps everything - once in a while I do sneak into his side of the cupboard and grab a few things for goodwill. I always have a "bag" ready to do with old clothes, esp those the kids have grown out of!

No news yet from ex - I think he's out of his office today - so I am quite antsy as I want to get the hospital visit over with!!!

Very hungry now - had a container of Froufie's famous soup for lunch - then 2 plums, now some veggies and dip - and still have an apple or yogurt to go - can't seem to fill me up today! Best news is (dare I say it) TOM is starting to pack up and head out - I am so thrilled cuz it's been almost 3 weeks now - enuf is enuf!

Frouf

Hi All!
Congrats Terry on the 3lb. loss :cb:

I got up this morning and was the same as last week 161; so I decided since I felt all fat and bloated I wasn't going to WI. I did decide last night that I might try FLEX for a week to see how that goes. Also decided to up my exercise, so..................

Today, I did the WATP 2 mile tape, ate breakfast and lunch, took DS to school (pink eye all cleared up), then took the dog for a walk. Crazy female decided she needed to pee on everything..........at least 10 times. I think we went about a mile, though.
Came home and weighed myself before I jumped in the shower.......159.5 Yay! ! ! Okay, I don't know if it was a fluke, but it hasn't even teetered in the 150's in over 2 years, so I'm going to take it. TOM came mid morning, maybe that helped. Of course then I ate the "neck" of DS's chocolate DOVE bunny he got for easter. DS already ate the ears and the head.

DS has soccer tonight., DD has dance, and I have to attend a middle school meeting for DD next year. Gotta start dinner since we'll probably be eating in shifts.

BBL
Lisa

Yay, Terry! That's so inspiring. I've only had losses over a pound once or twice. I'm a slow loser and I loves my food.

Froufy, 3 weeks! Yikes. I went for 2 weeks once and ended up at the OB/Gyn, who looked up at me after about one minute's examination and said "Could you be pregnant." :eek:

He's in kindergarten now. Not to scare you or anything.

Wow, were to start!

Terry, Kudos :encore: to you and Congratulations on your three pound loss! :bravo: I think you deserve cheer for each pound! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: Persistence pays off when you stick with the program. You should be very proud of yourself....I'm proud of you!


Thanks Deborah! I do so hope the PT works on my elbow. I'm not afraid to get the cortisone shot but I am afraid of surgery. I'm 48 years old (almost 49) and have never had any kind of surgery. I've been so lucky. That's why I'm trying so hard to get healthy before I just drop dead from a heart attack or stroke or something! I'm sure sorry that your elbow still hurts. I got a REALLY great brace from the Ortho that really seems to help the pain. You wear it below the elbow and it stops the tendon above the elbow that hurts from flexing. My first PT is Friday afternoon. No idea how many visits yet.

Kierie, don't worry about your fall off the wagon. You weren't hurt, were you? Come on....dust yourself off.....and start over. We're all still here and we'll help as much as we can.

Frouf, the last time I had a twitch in my eye it was from stress. We gotta get you to a more tranquil place, girlfriend! Maybe when this visit is over with your DD you'll feel better. I'm sure the uncertainty of what will happen and when is really starting to wear on you.

I never heard of Flylady. What is it? Ok, Angela, I'm starting to think you are not a real person. Happy husband, kids, house, guitar lessons, cooks, and a clean organized house!

Cher, that loud thud you heard was Froufie fainting at the thought of being pregnant! Actually, it sounds like you might have scared her TOM away!

Thanks to whomever posted that Wishbone FF Italian salad dressing was good. Froufie, you should add it to your US shopping list. I bought some and like it! It will never be my favorite over the Henry's FF Honey Dijon (no longer Core, darn them!) but it's nice to have something to switch off on. It has a nice garlic flavor and not too many "herbs". I'm kinda fussy about some green herbs, like oregano.....don't like it at all. Fussy fat girl!

:lol: Froufy pregnant!! OMG, the rumos are flying now! (Sorry, dear Frouf, I just can't resist this sort of thing!)

Vickie, FlyLady is awesome and even though it sounds hard, it isn't once you get the hang of it. It's just like I said, they pick a "zone" and clean it all week, then go to another one. And that's only after it's really clean though. There's all sorts of decluttering and flinging that goes on and they realize that the place didn't get messy overnight so it's going to take months to get into maintenance mode. Hey wait, that sounds like WW!!!

I'm making my wheat spaghetti now and stopped by for some whole button mushrooms to add. Also made a batch of pimento cheese with FF cheddar and FF miracle whip, which I'll use on celery for my snacks the rest of this week. Of course I had to lick the spoon and was just delighted at how great it tastes. I must really be hungry! It has been a while since I made some (probably Christmas) so I'm looking forward to it! :lol: DH is still at work and will probably go work out tonight, so I'll be in charge of the grill. I hope to swing back by here later to see if you guys are chatting, but if American Idol gets good, I can't promise anything.

Oh, Law, what have i done? Froufy, I hope that didn't cause you any alarm, because heaven knows you don't need any more of that.

Okay, I'm going to go home and put my big mouth around some broiled lamb. If I'm feeling energetic I might make a lentil salad to go with it. I've been really craving that.

I just peeked at the Flylady website. I only read the home page and I may be hooked. Not only am I a perfectionist, but I'm an organization freak. I get very stressed when there is too much clutter around. I may really enjoy this website. That's all I need is more computer research. Jim already feels lonely!

I'm guessing I won't be on the chat tonight. Hubby needs some time!

Oh Vickie, you'll love Flylady if you like organization. It's heaven to the control-freak, organized type people like me. I really like it, because it helps me put order into the chaos around me. :)

Angela

Well just revived from my dead faint - seems like those rumors are flying! I would most definitely be absolutely positively shocked at any pg thing happening here. YIKES is right!...and yes, thank you cher for hopefully scaring my TOM away!

Vickie - sounds like you will make the supreme flylady - good luck! And I have added the wishbone italian to my list - thanks for being my taste tester!

Don't you just hate hospitals? We are so fortunate to have an excellent children's hospital in our city - but the less I see of it the better (altho little ds does go their for his eye checkups/glasses). It was so sad to see some of the kids coming in on stretchers (one fall I think? one on a body board still wearing ice skates! one w/an oxygen mask on). The worse was "hearing" what was going on. DD and I were sitting outside some treatment rooms and I tell you the crying in there was not normal - I don't know what they were doing, but the poor child was howling like a wounded animal, and would not stop - it just made my blood run cold and really upset both dd and myself.

Triage nurse was fabulous - took us aside asked some questions - said she would contact the crisis intervention worker - DD had to get weighed and temperature taken (rules?) and while I could not hear most of the conversation as I was behind the counter - she did ask to see where dd had cut herself - and I saw her showing her that it might be unsafe so close to her veins and if she did need to cut to do it elsewhere.

Then another long wait - crisis lady came in, made us fill out some forms - dd had to answer a long list of questions - was told to be "honest", but we did not get to see this. We then spoke about why we were there and were concerned. We showed her the "creative writing"....and she did mention how as a parent reading this the alarm bells would definitely go off!

Then we were shipped out while they chatted. Off to the coffee shop w/ex, yes he bought coffee and a bag of mini oatmeal raisin cookies - proud to say I had only one (and there were tiny!). Was a bit hungry but nothing much else there to eat that was okay (had 2 eggs/toast for dinner at home - did I forget to mention that I had to go home, cuz ex told dd she was going to the dr and she refused to go? had to do some damage control and was able to convince her to go as we needed to see if she needed help - she claimed she did not!).

Debrief w/therapist was okay - said dd was not suicidal - confirmed that the cutting was a coping mechanism and that she and dd spoke about some other coping mechanisms that she might try. Cutting was actually a good sign meaning the individual still had hope. She agreed we needed to find someone to treat her on an ongoing basis asap (will be following up w/pediatrician tomorrow) and she had made dd promise if she was thinking of hurting herself that she would talk to a responsible adult or call someone. We talked about a few other things such as establishing rules and trust - but these were more common teenage issues.

I felt so drained and tired when I got home. Dh was "debriefed", but I also explained to him that I could no longer deal with his petty issues and I did not want to hear his comments or negativity regarding dd - I just can't handle it right now. Told him my plate was full and I needed to focus on dd and getting her better so I could not deal with his daily annoyances and his non communication. I did point out to him that the last four interactions with her (some as small as one word - the longest was one sentence)...led to four separate "fights" between us resulting in us not talking to each other for days and of course the famous birthday bonanza as well. He was surprised at this and was not sure how to deal w/this - and his response was not to talk to her at all - which won't work cuz it's her comments to him that seem to set it all off!

Strongly suggested he go back to his therapist, tell her what's going on and perhaps ask for some strategies on how to handle this. I told him I was at my rope's end and was right on the edge of being completely non-functional and for the sake of dd I needed to be okay so I could help her. I really hope some of this sunk in - but when I asked him if he cared about her and her situation - his answer - which took a while in coming was "I don't really know" - WRONG ANSWER!!!!

So here I sit trying to destress and calm down so I can actually sleep. I think if this continues I will need to take time off work as I am finding just getting to work and functioning there is becoming a challenge. But I am so busy right now! I know if I go see my dr and explain the situation she would definitely approve some stress related leave - but I don't want to do that unless I really have to! (and frankly not sure if staying home w/dh will actually be destressing!).

Frouf :(

Don't make any decisions tonight, Frouf. I'm glad DD is on the road to getting some help. You DO need to be healthy to take care of her and it would be nice to get some support from your DH. I hope he does go to therapy because you and she will need him. I've been thinking about you all night. I snuck in here before bed to see if you were home. I'll include you and your whole family in my bedtime prayers tonight.

You are so sweet - thank you so much Vickie for caring - you can't imagine what it means to me!

Hugs and kisses to all my core friends - your ongoing support is truly appreciated!

Frouf

Morning all ... a beautiful one here, with a hint of chill in the air! That's always a nice boon in my neck of the woods, believe me! :)

Terry, HUGE congratulations on that terrific loss! :dancer: :dancer: Core is working like a dream for you ... I am so envious of how successfully you are sticking to the program! At the rate you're going, you'll be at goal in no time! Enjoy that coffee and I'll sip my unsweetened iced tea to keep you company! :)

Lisa, way to go on dipping below 160! I know you enjoyed looking at that 159 on the scale ... and don't worry about nibbling the bunny's neck! After your WATP and walk with the dog, I don't think it will register as even a tiny blip on the calories consumed meter!

Vickie, I hope PT works good for you ... my mom had some kind of zapper/pulsing thing when she went to PT (low dosage electricity of some kind, I guess?) and she said it was the most wonderful and soothing thing. I, however, did not get that when I went ... I got steroids massaged in topically; ice pack for 10 minutes; and then exercises. I know exactly what you mean about surgery. Until my pain becomes unbearable, I won't even entertain the notion of an operation. Enjoy the Flylady stuff too ... she has some wonderful idea and I'd like to be a control freak, but alas, I'm too lazy! :)

Froufy, I'm so glad the therapist had some encouraging words to offer about DD ... I know that is a relief. I do think stress leave from work ... if only for a few days ... might help you to focus on your best strategies for helping DD without neglecting yourself or little DS. If your DH cares so little for your DD that his only response to you about whether he cares is "I don't know.", maybe it's time for him to go stay with his parents for a little while. What a self-centered cretin he is! Sorry, Froufie, to sound harsh but he needs to be there for YOU and his entire attitude and behavior are NOT helping you one iota! I know he must have some redeeming qualities since you love him but they are not evident now during this time of crisis ... so far, you've been doing EVERYTHING. It's time for him to step up to the plate and be the partner that he promised to be. I don't mean to add to your stress level, so just ignore me for my anti-DH rants, okay? Just know that I care what happens to you and the kids ... :grouphug:

Kierie, it was so good to "see" you! Sorry for your work stresses ... you'll get back on the healthy eating track as soon as you can, I know. I'm still a human garbage disposal 1/3 of the day ... I'm trying to find a zipper of some sort I can install over my mouth for my bad eating once I get home!

Cher, you may be right about the fat spreading all over my body ... I do know that this time around, after having regained all that weight, my middle is so much thicker than it used to be. Maybe that's one of those perimenopausal perks? :dizzy: I've got to incorporate some kind of strength training into my exercise every day ... I've been pretty good about doing the half hour on the elliptical every day but I need to build some muscle back, I think.

DD's allergies have flared back up, poor baby. She doesn't feel 100% but she won't complain much since tomorrow is the big sleep over ... only 7 13-year-old girls, thank goodness! :lol: I don't think I'll go too terribly crazy ... knock on wood!

Oops, better go ... the big cheeses are assuming control of one of my computers here at work so I need to investigate what they are doing!

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Froufie, I'm so glad you got dd started down the right path, and that you had an understanding and helpful nurse. I SO wish I was closer to you so I could take some of the load off you. Imagine if all us Core chicks marched in to Ottawa (the capital of Canada - see, I know!). We'd whip your dh in to shape, I bet! We'd cook all your meals for you, drive everyone everywhere for you, and pamper you silly while you focus on your dd. :)

Vickie, you should definitely try out FlyLady. It's awesome!

And drumroll.....my weigh-in was NOT horrible as I had thought. I managed to lose .8 pounds, to make my official weight 129.2. Yay! Of course I had to remove my watch beforehand, but I really don't think it's that heavy. :) I promise myself to do really well this week, so I don't have to stress next Tuesday/Wednesday.

Better go get my dd's dressed. I'm off to the podiatrist today. Hopefully we can fix up something so my feet & knees won't hurt when I try to exercise.

Later!
Angela

Good morning all. I'm staying home today because I don't feel well. I'll be back on later but just wanted to read the updates. Frouf, bless your heart, you hang in there. It sounds like things with your DD are on the road to being better. As for your H, I have nothing to add to what the other girls said. He apparently isn't concerned about any of you, which is sad.

Good Morning, All! It would be cool if we all lived in the same City. What an awesome WW meeting THAT would be! It would probably last a couple of hours. The Leader would leave and we wouldn't even notice. Maybe we could be a self-directed group.

I have my meeting tonight. God, I HATE the scale. So I've been doing ok all week and I've been riding the scale all along because I'm nuts and can't help it. It's been inching down all week, .2 by .2. Now this morning it's up. I was VERY careful yesterday to eat light fluffy foods. I had salad for lunch and smothered barley chicken for dinner. I guess if the scale doesn't go up anymore during the day (which it WILL) then I'd be happy. But, when I add weight for food and clothes, it looks horrible. Ok, I'm done now....but this would be three crappy weeks in a row!

I'm now renting TV shows to watch on the treadmill. I've found that without commericials they last about 45 minutes. Plenty of time for my 30+ minute walk and cool up and cool down. My Niece (sweetie that she is) lent me the first two seasons of Gilmore Girls since I didn't watch it the first time around. Now I've rented 24 because I never saw that either. Kinda sorry I did. I like it, but I have such an overactive imagination. Just like a kid. Last night, I had all kinds of bad dreams about assassins and stuff! I guess maybe I'll have to move on to something more tame that I haven't seen yet....like Smallville.....or Sex in the City. Sex in the City could keep me going for a month or two or three!

Kathy, I'm sorry you're sick. Hope it isn't anything serious. Take good care of yourself!

Gotta go eat and exercise! Talk with you all later.

:D SLUMBER PARTY AT FROUF'S HOUSE! You are all more than welcome to march up here anytime and camp out at my place - what a hoot that would be!...and I agree w/Vickie about our meeting being quite a happening thing!
I would never say no to pampering!

I am feeling a bit fuzzy headed today and lethargic - could not even drive fast on the highway to work today - what's up with that? Of course woke up w/a headache and a bit stuffed, but I think it's my allergies starting up due to the warmer weather (trees/grass etc). Took some decongestant/pain killer so hope this will help. Good news is TOM is finally over! YIPPEE.

Yes dh has some redeeming qualities - but frankly right now I can't come up w/too many??? I do try to remember he does have some emotional/childhood issues of his own, and his being unemployed right now certainly does help at I know he feels badly about that as well. Hope at least his therapist or our therapist will help him "mature" and understand what being a team player really means!

Now Vickie - walking to "sex and the city" - not sure if that is such a good idea - unless you really want to glow and sweat? ha ha ha If you were dreaming about assassins after watching 24 we can only imagine what you'll be dreaming of after watching "sex and the city" (watch out Jim!)

I know you are concerned about weigh in but don't give the scale all the power! It's just ONE of the instruments used to gauge progress. Remember how much healthier you are now with your daily exercise and wonderful eating. This alone is something to be proud of whether or not the scales moves in the right direction.

Kathy - hope you are okay - make sure to take care of yourself and check back in when you can!

So Angela - I guess I will remove my watch too before weigh - in- congrats on your loss (boy that's some big mother of a watch you got there! :D )

Lisa - congrats to you too - try to hold onto the idea that you will never see the 60's again!

Deboarh - dh bashing is quite allowed here - it does help me realize I am not alone and not crazy and that my expectations for understanding and support are not unreasonable. This keeps me going (froufs like to be right as much as possible :) )

Kierie - how are you doing today? Hope the jump back on the wagon did not hurt too much!

I was starving this morning - despite feeling crappy - indulged in a breakfast from mcdonald's (egg mcmuffin & REAL coffee - really need some caffeine today) - I know I definitely don't have any points left - but I am not going to stress too much over my eating as I have other things to worry about? Best case scenario is I stay the same - otherwise I may be up a lb but it's not like I don't know how that happened and certainly can't pretend I did nothing wrong. So that's okay - I will just accept this and move on - it's a part of life and the learning experience. I agree that what is most important right now is taking care of myself and to make sure dd is okay! I will do the best I can w/my eating plan without completely sabotaing myself.

Brought some leftover chicken stirfry for lunch (dh made it - looks pretty bland?) no rice or anything so I packed a raw potato to nuke in the office microwave if I feel the need for a side dish. Also packed some GORGEOUS fresh pineapple slices and ripe strawberries for desser and I'm really looking forward to that (did you ever think fresh fruit could be so exciting?)

My supervisor called in sick today which is almost a blessing - I did have to meet w/her for some decisions so that's a bummer - but I am a bit more relaxed now and feel I don't have to stress as much to get things done - can try to work at a more leisurely pace. Have also booked tomorrow off for the big shopping trip to the states with my gf....this should be fun and relaxing. She is a great friend that I can confide in - she knows me and dh and as an ex-nurse has lots of medical knowledge as well. Just went to the bank here and got $100 US woohoo!

Frouf:)

Angela, way to go on another good WI! :cp: :cp: I can't even begin to imagine how good it must feel to be in the 120's! Keep on doing what you're doing because clearly it's working great! :) How did your mom do? Another good WI for her too, I hope.

Kathy, I'm sorry you're feeling under the weather ... maybe you just need a quiet day to recharge your batteries. Take good care of yourself!

Vickie, don't you worry about that dastardly scale of yours. You are going to do great at your WI! :goodluck: Did you do the measuring that you had planned to do this week? If you did, I'll bet you found that you were eating right on target, didn't you? Are you watching the first year of 24? My DH and I love the show 24 ... the first year had some bizarre plot twists though. I think it's great that you've devised a way to stay distracted while exercising ... sure makes the time go by faster, doesn't it? :)

Froufie, I'm sorry you're feeling under the weather also but I'm glad you got a little bit of a break at work with your supervisor not being there. You're probably feeling a bit out of it because of the medicine. I hope you and your GF have a wonderful shopping trip tomorrow ... it will do you a world of good to get away for a day so be safe and have fun!

Off to lunch shortly ... I'm plotting to stress eat for some reason. Don't really know why! :?:

Hey Ladies
Still not back on the wagon If DH works late I'm goign to sit down with my WW stuff and make a grocery list and a plan.
Fighting depression hard lately Dh worked late last night and all I wanted to do was eat We have free registration coming back up at WW so in a week or 2 I'd like to rejoin between fam obligations and out and out exhaustion I missed 4 meetings and was too cheap to pay the $50 to come back.
I'm embarrassed. I probably regained the tinsy bit i lost and I feel like the bad kind of loser. It will pass I just have to get out of my funk. gotta run and look productive
Kierie

Wow, so much going on today.

Kierie, you sign up as soon as the free registration starts. Quitting is not an option, especially when there is so much support available. Don't worry about what you've done in the past, plan for what you're gonna do in the future. It's okay to fall, as long as you keep getting up again. (OK, I'll step down from my soapbox now. :o )

Congrats Angela. 129, OMG, I'd be so thrilled to see the scale stop at that number instead of shooting right by. Ahh, just considering that number makes me feel good.

Bravo Lisa - the 60's are gone. And didn't you struggle to get to the 50's? It's got to feel great to get past the stuck point.

Frouf, it sounds like the issue with your dd is moving toward resolution. It'll probably take some time, but it really sounds like you've got a great plan, and that must be a relief for you.

Vickie, here's a thought for the scale. Get rid of it, or put it somewhere where it is difficult to access. Flylady might have you donate it to goodwill. When you weigh daily, you give the scale too much power. Don't let the scale dictate how your day is going to go. (Another soapbox moment . . . :o ) I'm glad you like the dressing. It is my favorite.

Kathy, get well soon.

Everybody else, have a core day!

As for me, I have a story followed by a multiple choice question.

Friday they're having a pizza party here to congratulate someone on his promotion. I've already made arrangements to have them get me a salad, but they're ordering fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, and there is no way that I can pass those up. I am planning to have one, and think I can pull that off and count points.

Saturday night, my neighbor is having a candle party. I imagine they will have some food (and liquor), but I have no idea what there will be. I'm excited to go because we're new in the neighborhood and this is a chance to meet the local ladies, but I would hate to be known as the fussy one who wouldn't have a glass of wine or try so-and so-s famous cheesepuffs.

Sunday, my husband's friend's wife is having a baby shower. I know her, but we're not the type of friends where I'm comfortable bringing my own food and not having her get insulted. I'm fairly sure they're planning a full meal. Plus, with all we've been through trying to start a family over the last 7 years, baby showers tend to be kind of hard for me.

I have saved all my points, so I have 35 to spend. I'm just so concerned about not making a bad impression or upsetting anybody, especially since I really don't know anybody well.

So, here's my question. Should I
(a) Eat my core food before I go and just nibble on the party food, feigning an upset stomach if people try to push.
(b) Eat very light at home and try to figure out how to make meals out of whatever they're serving within my points
(c) Just say screw it :s: and party, since this sort of thing doesn't happen all that frequently and it's only two meals.

I'd love opinions from the group.

Wow, Terry! That's quite a weekend. I think here's what I would do if it was me: eat the salad and cookie, go all out on the neighborhood candle party (you have points!) and save my tummy ache for the baby shower and just send a gift.

It will be interesting to see what you come up with!