terry, congratulations on your magnificent weightloss! aren't you smiling ear to ear right now? i would be.

i had a tummy tuck a few years ago. the doctor built me a new navel. :lol: now i've regained a lot of weight. my tummy's not flat but it's not too bad. i guess. at least i don't have the flowing skirt any more. (this sounds yucky, doesn't it?)

vickie, i had the famous cortisone shot monday. my foot's a lot better. it's good to NOT hurt. but that shot? it's over pretty quick. just have your mind on something else when he gives it.

Terry, was it you that said on the menu thread you had to do your core routine? Is that the one with the ball? Do you like it? Is it hard? I can just imagine myself rolling away or the dog trying to get after the ball :rofl:

By the way, I am in the doghouse. Seems I put the precious pooch out with her bark collar on (doesn't even have a battery she just thinks it does) because being the terrier that she is she just barks all day. Anyway while she was out she tried to dig a hole under the basketball pole to get to the invisible chipmunk..............and so now it's my fault because I had to have the dog and I should be watching her and he tries to keep the yard nice and just planted seed and grew some grass in other places....blah blah blah...........DH is too anal ;)

So, I screwed up my pts today. When I got to 15 I started subtracting like I had 15 left when I had actually used 15......only had 7 left........so I am done, except for the 1 pt. for exercise. Will have to find a 1pt. snack if I need it later. :(

Must help DD with dumb math homework: Here's the formula

Temperature = number of cricket chirps per minute - 40 +50
--------------------------------------
4

So, if there are 80 cricket chirps in a minute, what is the outside temperature? This is 5th grade. Wait until next year when she has college prep math and..................she has been placed in the accelerated math class :?:

Lisa

Lordy, I sure don't miss those days!! My youngest isn't in school right now (taking a year off ... maybe two???) and the middle one is a senior in college. I remember homework like that though, and I just wanted to say SO WHAT??? I swear some teachers lay awake at night just thinking of ways to make parents miserable. :lol:

I am busy planning tomorrow's menu, and yes I'm putting my food into FitDay. I am trying to eat as close to Core as possible, but still count points. I have decided that Saturday morning, I'm headed off to WW to join. You'd think it was the Army or something the way I've debated and agonized over it! And I've discovered that I just can't eat anything without writing it down. I guess it's from too many years of journaling but it feels like I'm speeding down the highway without my seatbelt ... maybe even sitting on the hood of the car! I can't stand to feel that out of control, so I'll write it down. I think it keeps me more on track, plus I have to be able to know what to prepare each evening to take to work the next day.

I can't wait for AI! Of course I'm home alone tonight, just me and the doggies. I hope that when DH calls tonight, he doesn't do it smack in the middle of the show like he did last night. They're interviewing former Idol contestants right now -- just saw Jasmine Trias and Matt Rogers. He looks really good! He was always one of my favorites and I hated to see him go.

It's time to make potholders so I just bought an old loom and some loops from ebay. Anyone remember making those? I made a gazillion when I was a kid, then again when newly married (the first time) and then again about 10 years ago. I've been using those 10-year old potholders until they just recently fell absolutely apart ... so now I'll make more! That was always one of my favorite easy crafts, probably due in part to the nostalgia.

Lisa--I started practicing my algebra and pre-calc for precisely that reason. And my daughter's only going to be in 3rd grade!

I've done that thing with the points, too.

And congratulations again, Terry

Yes ... I forgot to say that in my post! Congratulations, Terry! That is an awesome loss! You deserve that pizza!

Lisa is the answer 90?? Just curious :D
Kathy, I am with you my friend....second week of not journaling Hello!!!!!.....not working !!!!!
I too MUST see in writing what I eat...soooo I will. I check everyones' menu everyday.
Looks like you all eat three squares and good snacks. I loved what you said....on your menu today....S- if need be. Those words for me were very powerful. I feel each nite I deserve a snack and should HAVE it and I do, these past few days my choices were not good, and it all started with the daggone pt of Dove Vanilla with A Chocolate Swirl Ice Cream.
NOW I must get my freaking act together. I have strayed this week again. So easily done..................................
so Frouf I can soooo relate to what you are experiening.
Terry your weight losses are incredible....you rock!! What the heck is your secret.
I am sooooo sick of losing these same freaking 1-2 lbs ENOUGH is ENOUGH already, and I know only I can make it happen.
Angela glad you are finding maintenence a breeze - good for you!! Keep up the good work! You are allowed to add 28 extra points to the already 35 WPA, but I know that is scary!!!
I sure hope I am not the only one struggling. I 'had' it for a few weeks and now this past entire week as been 'out of control' So yes, my plan of not journalling didn't work this week. The best laid plans of mice and men...............
Melissa - how and did things go with the interview??
Kathy your daughter is beautiful......
Vickie your dessert sounds TOO dee-lish....my BIG downfall.....gotta be good maybe 10 lbs from now :lol: This way I have some leeway :lol:
I hope everyone else is doing well....Lisa how is the WP going....once you do core it just seems so hard to go back to that unless you just eat core and count points. God Almighty is this a NEVERENDING battle or what, Chicks!!!!!!
See you all back here in a few days....you already know time doesn't allow me to get on here at work.....so I'll see you all pages from now (haha)
Hang in there EVERYONE......Linda

Good evening everyone! I gained .4 tonight at weigh-in, which is just fine because I'm maintaining. I was a little bummed until I realized that. Duh! I will probably try a little harder to stay OP this week, just to be sure I don't start a trend.

Our little overnight stay at the amusement park is coming up. I'm betting our food will mostly come from McDonald's. What can I eat at fast food type places that is filling but not too horrible for me? Usually when the family goes out for fast food, I eat leftovers from home.

Preschool tomorrow again. We're talking about grandparents, and how they passed traits down to us. I get to show them my 5-generation photo - I'm excited. That was a great day. My great-grandma was celebrating her 100th birthday, and my first daughter was exactly 2 months old. We drove 8 hours to go to her party, and I don't regret an instant of it. In the picture is my daughter, me, my mom, my grandma, and my great-grandma. She lived to be 103!

I have to make cookies for their snack, but I will attempt to be good. Home-baked cookies are a huge weakness of mine, so I'll probably keep back enough for the kiddos and then send the rest with dh to work.

Uh, what else is interesting? I'm starting to learn finger picking in my guitar lessons. :cheer: I've discovered Nick Drake - I really love his music. (He wrote that Pink Moon song they play in the Volkswagon commercial where they're driving through the night, and it sounds like he's singing, "So I saw it written in the soy sauce...") I actually went out and bought two of his albums yesterday. I can't remember the last time I actually purchased music. :D

Well, better go make those cookies. Give me strength!

Angela

hi, girls. i am having fat free pizza tonight. it's 3 pts. i don't work for them but their website is http://www.pizzafree.com. tonight i'm adding canadian bacon, olives, and jalapenos (all core!) the entire pizza is 3 pts. granted it's not large, but it's large enough for one person. i'll have ff ranch dressing with it.

i feel spoiled.


angela, i'm taking sweets saturday to the archery tournament. i'm hoping to sabotage the guys. (give them sugar shakes so i can outshoot them.) :lol: actually, it would take a miracle for that to happen.

kathy, i'm ready for ai, too.

got to go. the timer just went off. pizza's ready!!!!

Hey everybody! Things went pretty good (I think) with DH's interview. He said that the associate pastor told him that he did well after it was all over, and told him that he would call in the next day or two to tell him what the next step is. DH isn't sure that he is what they are looking for, but who knows? They seemed to like him anyway. So we should know some more tomorrow or Friday. Thanks everyone for asking about it and sending good wishes!! I really appreciate your interest and concern.
I will be SO glad when DH is no longer on 3rd shift, it has really wrecked havoc on our lives. He is so tired all of the time, he never feels like doing anything. It rubs off on me! Plus it has caused a lot of problems with eating. His meal schedule is all out of whack and doesn't feel like messing with supper...we have eaten terrible this week. And we had been doing so well. Tomorrow is our anniversary so we are planning on going out...splurging? I don't know what to do. I have been maintaining. Unfortunately I still have about 50 pounds to lose!! :p
What to do!! Get my butt in gear I guess. I just feel like I'm always thinking about it, which makes me frustrated and give up. :(
Sorry, just venting.
Hello to everyone, I don't have the energy to respond. But you guys are so fantastic. Thanks for all of your encouragement and support. I probably wouldn't have made it even this far without you!

Hey everyone... 3 days in a row of being good. I havent even used any flex points. You all are the best inspiration and support group.. THANKS!
I have an eliptical machine in my living room. It's different from the gazele a little. Your feet move like riding a bike, but you are standing up and mine has the hand bars that you move back and forth like the gazel. It's a great workout when I actually get on it. My hubby about had a fit when I bought mine because of the price compared to how many times he thought I would use it (NEVER), but I have used it, just not enough.
I also have the CORE secrets workout ball/dvds. I really like them. It was only like $40 at Target. It's a pretty good workout. I do the 25min beginner dvd & the brooke burke fundamentals together and like it better than the advanced video alone. It doesnt feel hard when you are doing it, but you can feel your muscles kind of ache later so you know it's working. I just need to do it more too!!!!

Melissa, that's great about DH's interview. I hope all goes well.
Angela, I'm sending you strength for those homemade cookies, they're my big weakness too.
Terry, congrats on the big loss.
Frouf, sorry about your day.. It will be better in the morning you get a fresh start to the day!
Vickie, thank you! I cant wait to try it.
Pnut, HURRAY for the NSV. Loose pants feel the best! mine are still cutting off my circulation!!!!

Linda - no the answer is not 40. I don't think it came out right in the post.

Should read Temp= 80 chirps -40 +50
4


80 chirps - 40 then divide by 4 and add 50 ; so answer would be 60

A little confusing when they start using chirping crickets in the formula instead of using x and y

Lisa

Since when does a cricket's chirps predict the temperature anyway? Is this a true formula? I guess I can throw away my thermometer now. :lol:

I'm not looking forward to helping with math homework...I carefully crafted my college career so that I could get all the way to my BA without a single math class. :D

I'm OK at it, truly, but I'm just slow...I'm much better at reading and writing.

Nighty-nite everyone!
Angela

night night, ladies. i'll see you tomorrow.

Lisa ......... I thought the answer was 90...I was 30 off....oh well, good thing I wasn't helping :-)

You guys are too funny! You know the chirping cricket thing is a true formula, but there are different formula's for different crickets...........that's because some crickets chirp faster than others; therefore more chrips per minute etc. What will they think of next. I hope DD understands the accelerated math next year, cuz I'm sure I won't get it.

Nice and sunny here today! DS going to a friends to play; so I may go shopping. Of course, not for myself. Skinny little DD needs some jeans; currently only has one pair that fit and it's sometimes hard to find them in slims. Of course all she'll wear is Ltd. Too, but I just got a coupon for buy one item, get one 50% off. Maybe a pair of jeans and a pair of crop pants.

Must get my shower and get moving. DS is up and wants breakfast.

Lisa

Good Morning Chicks! I've got another busy morning ahead of me. I'm pretty busy for a retired person! At least it is fun busy stuff. I've got to get all the usual stuff done (exercise, breakfast, shower) so I can go have the last of my birthday meals. Today I'm being treated by my two girlfriends that I used to work with. Jim will come too, since we all worked together. I picked a steak place that I've wanted to try so that I can stay on program. I also have to weigh in before we go earlier than my 5:30 meeting. This was the only day everyone was available, so I volunteered to miss my regular meeting. I didn't want to weigh in after a steak and baked potato! I'm kind of glad that the week is over because it's been very hard to celebrate just a little bit and then get right back on program. I guess I need to get used to this, right Angela? It's something I never got used to. I'm a slippery slope kinda girl.

Lisa, good luck to ya....with the ball AND the math!

Kathy, you gotta do what you gotta do. I say journal if that's what works for you. Funny that you and I have similar American Idol tastes (except for Anthony anyway!). I always liked Matt Rogers and thought he did a terrific job last night. And....I used to make those potholders too but haven't thought about them in years. Nice trip down memory lane. Are they really good to use? I never actually used them!

I had a week of temptations too, Linda. I'm sure we'll both get back on program.

Sandra, FF pizza sounds intriguing to me. I'll be checking out the website.

Melissa, I'm glad the interview went well. Tell DH we're rooting for him!

Anna, congratulations for sticking with the program! Just keep stringing those days together and before you know it you'll have had a successful week and a great weigh in. Could a 272 pound person do that Core ball workout without hurting themselves? I'm really nervous about injuring myself but I know that I need to add some strength stuff to my treadmill.

Sandra, I'm worried about my floppy stomach but I'm scared to death to have any kind of surgery. Guess I better start researching some tummy exercises soon!

Still no TOM but plenty of bloat and cramps. I have no idea what this will do to my weigh in. Old girlie plumbing stinks! Gotta go walk.

I agree Vickie - getting back on program after a celebration is pretty hard, especially if it's lasted more than one day.

And speaking of surgery, I was toying with the idea of looking in to a breast lift. I have to say, after reading ONE website, I've decided against it. It looks SO scary - way more complicated than an augmentation. I was always small to start with, and after 3 pregnancies and nursing each baby till they were 16 months old, the "old girls" are, shall we say, sad and deflated. But there's no way I would go through that surgery. It leaves extensive scarring, and doesn't even last forever. Yowza!

My mom will have to have surgery soon to repair her huge abdominal hernia. At 4'10", and after 5 pregnancies, her abs just couldn't deal with it any more. Now that she's losing weight, it's starting to hurt her more, because it's not supported by fat. Lovely!

Life is always interesting, huh?

Well, better go get ready for preschool, and then I'm done with it until next year!! Yay!

Angela

Hi all --

I'm having an exciting day. After dealing with an inherited and failing project for two years and being given nothing else to do, I was bored and nervous for my job. I had proposed a different project to my boss and the other VPs when I was first hired over three years ago, and tried to resurrect it a few months ago. I've been poking them with a stick every few weeks, but they keep telling me to wait.

This morning, my boss tells me that they think it's something that will be good for the company and that I should proceed laying out the full vision and project plan. Woohoo! Now I have a very big, very meaty project to sink my teeth into. (Sorry for the food analogy.)

Plus, he let me change my hours (allowing me to run after work instead of at lunchtime - 'cuz it's getting pretty warm here).

I haven't been happy at work for a long time. This is great.

I'll touch base later.

vickie, i'm glad i had my tummy tuck, but it was an ordeal when i was recovering. i had an allergic reaction to the stitches. now i have a scar over 12" long across my middle. would i advise anyone to have this? it would depend on the person and their needs. my stomach was so stretched there was no way exercise would take care of it.

enough medical talk. i agree it's hard to get back on track after a celebration. i'm a little worried about this sunday. we're going to a friend's for dinner. she's making chicken enchiladas with a ww recipe i gave her. i'm making salad and dessert. i think i'm going to make your chocolate eclair. thanks for the idea. i appreciate it. what worries me is i'll be using points. there won't be much core at this meal. guess i'll have to use my head and not go wild. do ya'll know what i mean? even though these will be ww friendly foods, it's challenging.

terry, congratulations. i'm glad things are working out well at work. you must have presented a good proposal for them to have you proceed with it. and getting different working hours? wonderful!


angela, i thought of having my girls reduced (dd), but i've decided against it. i even thought of breast liposuction, but i think i've abused my old bod enough. i'm surprised it's stayed with me.

i'm off here now to prune some rosebushes. life is good. ya'll have a wonderful day.

Send lots of chirping crickets here please - nice out today - but more rain expected this weekend...UGH!!!

Shopping trip update:
1) Yes dd smirked when she saw the bras but I had already told her these were even uglier than the previous ones.....
2) Skirt - very pretty but TOO TIGHT around my belly - crepe material not really stretchy enuf to fit over my fluffy belly - I could wear it - but will return it for now as I would need to lose another 10-15 lbs before I would feel comfortable in it
3) slinky petites large pants - fit but still too long even tho petite?? and a little too "shiny" for my liking
4) size 12 petites - amazingly these fit - but they are stretchy (rayon/polyester) altho form fitting on my big tummy I think I can get a lot of wear out of these (elastic waist) as I hopefully shrink some more! So I am keeping these
5) tank top - did not do much for me so back it goes as well.

And I ended up going to the dance specialty store and spent $15.95 on the glittery hair clip - hope it gets more use at some point in life.

TERRY - congrats on your amazing loss and glad you enjoyed your pizza. Good luck w/the new project - your persistence obviously paid off!

Angela - will be looking for your CD soon in the stores you guitar finger picking fiend - don't sweat about .4 lbs - that's like 6 ounces or so! Good luck w/getting those cookies out of the house - I would eat them - and the batter too!

Vickie - sorry to hear about the Pt and cortisone shot - but I do hope something helps!

No piercings for me - too flabby and I know I will need and want a tummy tuck when all is said and done. I did ponder a tattoo a few years ago but could not find anything I really, really liked so gave up...for now!

Now would someone PLEASE get out that @#$#@@ rolling pin and bop me on the head? (not into masochism) cuz I need some sense knocked into me! Yesterday's eating was like insane - I was eating the WORST stuff I could possibly find - as if I were trying to gain weight? (NOT). So the scale is reflecting all this bad eating and I am trying not to panic as saturday's weigh in moves closer! I think Vickie you're right - the exhaustion sure did not help!

Today seems to be a bit better as I FORCED myself to walk at lunch and trying hard to stay on plan. The bad news is I am going to a potluck dinner tonight and who knows what I will encounter! I know that I am easily tempted right now so I may eat something before I go to ensure I am not hungry and don't inhale what I shouldn't.

Then off to the tail end of first dress rehearsal - where I'm sure I will find out they are hours behind schedule (they always are) and don't presume being home w/dd until close to midnight...sigh! Will try and pack some snacks, water and a good book and bringing the video camera to tape at least one of her 3 dances (depending on what time I arrive!). Too bad it will be another late night!

Later,

Frouf:)

frouf, bonk, bonk, bonk, hug, hug, hug. it's good you're getting back to walking today. i'll bet you're like me. when i get out of my routine, i tend to go bananas. (well, not bananas but high point goodies.) getting back into your routine should help you get over this speed bump.

Hi all,

Frouf - you asked for it, so :rollpin: Now the wagon is waiting, so get back on. :drill: In all honesty, given the fact that you've got so much going on and have been so tired, you're not doing too badly. You're getting back to your exercise, you've got your food planned for the recital, you're thinking about your strategy for the potluck -- you sound like a veteran Weight Watcher who knows her stuff. So don't focus on the few mistakes; pat yourself on the back a little for your efforts to get back on track.

Sandra, thanks for the pizza link. Let us know how you like it. It's really nice that your friend is making a ww main course for your night out. If you do a core salad, you'll only have to count points for the meal and dessert.

Angela, I hope your mom's surgery goes very smoothly. As for lifting the twins, I've seriously been considering that as well. I have always been endowed and the girls have always pointed south, so thank goodness for industrial strength brassieres. Of course, like Froufy's dd, I insisted on wearing the little cutesy bras when I was young, so gravity took it's toll very early. The surgery looks very scary. My cousin had a reduction, and while she was in a lot more pain than she expected, she would do it again.

I usually get a grilled chicken with a side salad if I'm doing McDonald's. I throw away the bun, cut up the chicken and put it on the salad. Their lf balsamic vinaigrette is 1 point.

Kiss, I have the Core Secrets ball and tapes too, but I'm just getting started using them. It's really encouraging to hear that they're working for you. I do the elliptical at the gym. Boy is that a great workout for thighs and behind!

Vickie, I think the ball is rated for up to 300 pounds. You can check out the website: http://www.coresecrets.com. They're having a special - you can get the ball and the tapes for $10 plus s&h. The tape tells you how to position yourself on the ball if you're a beginner or if you want a more advanced workout, so I think you'd do fine. Enjoy your celebration tonight. I agree -- weigh before the dinner.

Melissa - I hope your DH gets the job!!! :crossed: The waiting has got to be tough. Happy anniversary.

Everyone else, have a terrific day. Drink up, it's thirsty Thursday!

Peace.

(OUCH!!!) Thanks Terry - I needed that! :):) Hopefully knock some sense into me! Just back from an all staff meeting where they served the DEVIL cake and brownies!..and they were encouraging us to continue eating it throughout the meeting and finish all the leftovers! Back away DEVIL BROWNIES said this fluffy froufie (you see the knock the head really helps!)...just had a coffee w/cream and then a bottle of water. I am now completely water logged as this brought me to about 60 ounces of water so far! At this rate I will be in the washroom the rest of the evening!;)

Yes I am starving now and eating some fresh strawberries and a sf/lf yogurt - I will definitely need to eat something before I go to my potluck dinner (protein?) as I will never last til 7 pm or so when the food comes out (and I don't want to start nibbling on the probably "very fattening" appetizers when I get there).

Melissa - glad to hear the interview for dh went well - keeping fingers crossed that this turns into a real job! and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - splurge and have a good time!

I seem more determined today to get back on track and this is a good sign. I was complaining to dh last night as we fell asleep about how disappointed I was in myself for eating like crazy and he said what you all say " just put it behind you - tomorrow is another day and a fresh opportunity to do better!" So that's my plan!

Frouf:)

Froufy--good for your dh. Sounds like he is trying to be a bit more supportive?

I was down another half pound this morning, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I never thought I'd be grateful for a couple of canker sores, but they sure take the joy out of snacking. I had a chocolate chip cookie from a bakery where I took my ds after his doctor's appointment (no problems) and it was delicious, but, man did it hurt. Good thing I'm not too much of a masochist.

Ds continues to have good days in school, mostly. We're starting to wonder about the wisdom of having the big testing session done. We got the pre-session forms to fill out and they all seem geared toward someone with a big learning deficit, which he definitely does not have. Well, we have a month to make up our minds. My biggest reservation is making him feel "weird" in respect to school. It's hard to recover from labels at that age. I just can't see that he has any big problems. He was sitting and listening when I went to pick him up. He went through all the rigmarole of his checkup with no problems. He even told the nurse how much he loves doing the hearing test and getting his blood pressure taken! I'm hoping he just has a great summer and puts it all behind him.

Good afternoon, everyone! I'm just back from my final birthday lunch. It was pretty good. I stayed Core except for the couple of bites of dessert that I had. I'll probably count 6 points for the nibbles on the decadent chocolate cake and the fabulous bread pudding. Bread pudding is a real weakness of mine. I went to weigh in before lunch and I'm down .8 for a total of 37. It's still not moving fast enough for me but since I won't exercise more or eat less, I'll have to be satisfied with that, won't I!!!!!! Actually, I'm quite happy with my progress. I'm more successful than I've ever been on any program.

Dinner will be veggies and some type of dairy and fruit since this is what I'm missing for the day.

Ok Angela, let's you and I and Froufie get back on the wagon and quit celebrating. I hope your Mom feels better soon. Too bad there isn't some way for her to feel better besides surgery.

I'm not going to hit you with the rolling pin, Frouf. Terry did a great job. On a positive note, at least you got your bad eating out of the way before Friday night. If I were you, I'd eat my entire Core meal before the party. Then if you nibble a bit at the buffet, it won't be a problem. If you go hungry or needing your meal to fill up then you're likely to get into more trouble. JMHO! You should be VERY proud of yourself for resisting all the bad stuff at your meeting. This would be very hard for me.

Melissa, Happy Anniversary! I hope you have a great celebration. Things sound like they are looking up for you and DH.

Sandra, I really wish I like yardwork. Maybe next year when I'm a little more mobile. Right now it is just to hard to work around this big belly of mine! Hope you enjoyed your day in the sun.

Terry, I talked with my friends at lunch about strength training and my GF of 31 years recommended the ball, as has my Sister. I guess I should give it a try. I just have to be careful to find one that is short enough. I am 5' 4" but I have REALLY short legs. I think my inseam is about 25 inches. So, I'll have to look for a very short/low ball. I'm going to check out the website that you sent.

Cher, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Sounds like you have a very real chance of making your goal this week.

Well, I'm off to relax on the couch for a while.

Kathy, the White Sox will be playing your guys tomorrow night. Are you going to any games?

Hey just dropping in to see if anyone has an opinion of what I should eat at Johnny Carino's? I think that's where we are going tonight for our anniversary. If anyone's bored and wants to share an opinion... :D
www.carinos.com

Looks nice. I've been eating more fish lately and it seems to be helping. The salmon salad looks and might be more or less core if you got olive oil and vinegar. Or if you want to sacrifice some points, maybe you could have a slice of pizza margherita and a salad? Some of the grilled meats might not be too bad, although you'd have to watch portions. I'd stay away from pasta, though. In my experience the sauces and cheeses are just too much and the portions are gigantic, but they don't make ideal leftovers.

OOOHHHH Melissa, I love looking at menus. Looks like a fabulous place but not so good in the Core category. I found a delcious looking dish that I think is probably pretty darn near Core. I'd order the Grilled Chicken Diavlo. You'll have to count points for the past and whatever is on the veggies. The dish is pictured and looks fabulous. The salmon salad looks good too, but I couldn't fill up on that. Hope you have fun.

Yay yay, preschool is over! I spent the afternoon practicing guitar and helping my mom plant the garden. I'm so excited - we're putting in all kinds of delicous veggies: lettuce, raddichio (sp?), spinach, leeks, onions, turnips, parsnips, beets, peas, beans, fennel, lots of herbs, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, cantaloupe, watermelon... Yes, we have a very large garden. :D

Most mornings this summer I hope to go out and work in the garden to get some AP's. One that size takes a lot of maintenance, but it's worth it. My favorite supper in the suppertime is grilled hamburgers with fresh lettuce, tomato and onion straight from the garden. Pair that with delicious Iowa corn on the cob, and you have the perfect meal. :)

I'm going to make some smothered chicken and barley now, and then help in the garden some more.

Ta ta!
Angela

I love Carinos! We have one here and went not long ago. I got some really good fish dish -- I'll see if I can find it on your menu. Yep, here it is -- it was the Jalapeno Garlic Tilapia. I didn't eat the pasta, just the fish and some vegetables. It was really spicy but great!

Vickie, I'm thinking about it for Saturday. It's supposed to rain here all weekend, so I'm not sure. If I can talk DH's friend into going with me, and buying good tickets under Homerun Porch, I might seriously consider it. I have nothing else to do, and besides -- he and I haven't gotten to go out a "date" while my DH has been out! We joked about it for so long prior to him leaving that I'll be disappointed if we don't at least go somewhere! If I don't go, I'll definitely be watching but I won't jinx it by talking about it (like I did last time when we played there and ended up losing the last two games.)!!

I'm trying to decide on something good for dinner. I might just get crazy and go get Applebee's or Chili's takeout. Nothing good is on TV tonight that I can see, so I will just eat. :D

terry, i've been buying those pizzas for about 3 years and i love them. sometimes i just add sauteed onions/peppers; sometimes browned burger; sometimes canadian bacon, olives, jalapenos. everything i add is core. the pizza is just 3 pts. they come 6 to a package. if you order 2 packages, you get $4 off. the cost with shipping (they come in a styrofoam ice chest with freezer blocks) is $4 per pizza. i don't think that's bad. i always order at least 2 packages at a time.

cher, congratulations on the weightloss. i might need a canker sore or two.

frouf, i sent you some bonks, too. i hope they help. good success to you at the potluck tonight.

vickie, i'm sunburned and smiling ear to ear. i love working in the yard. i have to admit, though, that i get tired easily. i got all the rosebushes pruned but didn't get the strawberry bed weeded. i'm ready for some couch time, now, too.

melissa, i ate there a couple of years ago and got some kind of grilled shrimp with pasta. i have to admit, though, that i ate the bread and olive oil. i left there unsatisfied. the shrimp dish wasn't filling for me.

angela, i love fresh garden vegetables. my mother used to cook us what i called "country dinners" with oodles of veggies.

kathy, i'm going into withdrawal already what with all my tv shows off for the summer. i rented some movies for an emergency. maybe we'll watch one of them. dinner out sounds good. i guess i'll cook dinner for us. dh went into the hills with a buddy today so he had sandwiches and fruit. i had one of my ff pizzas. looks like pork chops and veggies and polenta tonight. dh is already tired of polenta, but i'm not. he can force himself to eat them again tonight. :lol:

Okay, so I didn't get to the gym. DS went to his friends and I went shopping and out to lunch with a friend. Frouf - my shopping trip sounds a lot like yours.

1. pair of jeans for DD (8Slim) low cut stretch flared Levi's - not her style and too faded. Seems now she wants dark jeans. :s:

2. pair of denim capris for DD (8 Reg.) - what size are these? they seem tight. :?: Oh......picked up the wrong size, they are a 7. Not too tight, but an regular 8 will be too big and did not come in slim.

This is why she can only wear stuff from Ltd. Too, but i refused to pay $36.50 for a little pair of capris to fit her skinny a**. :p Will have to wait til they are on sale.

3. DS has a pair of Nike mesh shorts size 3T; comfortable, cool and fit., So today I found the same shorts at Kohls and got him 2 pair in 3T. :D (Got some Big Dog shorts the other week in a 2/3 and they are too big.) Guess what??? Too Big - they fit DD. :( They must have changed their sizing from last year.

So........................everything I bought must now go back ! ! ! ! Next time I will only shop for myself.

Lisa

Melissa - have fun at your dinner - I also love menus in general - I would go for the lemon pepper salmon (hold the sauce or on the side? more veggies no pasta) or maybe the rosemary chicken? Lots of things sound okay if you just tweak them a bit! Good luck.

Vickie - you rule and I took your advice and ate some dinner - first of all I put a piece of cinammon dentyne in my mouth BEFORE I left work and chewed it to death as I made dinner - had some leftover brown rice in the fridge and some beef strips for stirfry - added some onions, 3 colors of peppers, mushrooms, frozen peas and some teriyaki and lea & perrins sauce - quite yummy - had a small portion for my "dinner" and even packaged up the rest of the rice and stir fry for my lunch tomorrow!

Made the greek salad I am bringing as well. While I am somewhat full I am still a bit hungry but can fill up on salads and any other core friendly stuff I can find - at least I won't be ravenous and stuffing my face!

Now for the rehearsal I have packed: a lemon flavored bottle of water, a small ziplock of popcorn, and a nice big juicy red delicious apple - may pick up a decaf coffee on my way there if required (also have an emergency raisin bran bar in my bag as well).

Hopefully all this preparation will work in my favor.

Lisa - I can relate to the shopping trip and sizes - at least you kids are not complaining about the "ugliness" of the clothes as mine does - ha ha ha

Thanks for the bonks Sandra - I think they also helped knock more sense into my head.

Angela - I am so jealous of your garden! I used to have one a long time ago - we have a pretty small yard now and are on the 5 year plan to getting it in shape (3 years ago the fence, 2 yrs ago the sprinkler system and hedges, last year the shed). We are now working on our grass yet again and have a big hole cut where the patio is supposed to go (itching to get new patio furniture and bbq).

Need to get patio stones, and equipment to finish the job and maybe we can actually enjoy our backyard this year! I think eventually there may be a spot for a small garden, but I know the local bunnies will enjoy it even more than we will!

Time to go to the dinner.....nitey nite

Frouf:)

Just popped in to say I'm going to sit in the chair and make potholders. :D I broke down and went to Hobby Lobby after work; got a cheap frame and some loops. The one I got from ebay should be here next week but who knows? I figured while I was bored I might as well do something, and I can always give them away if I need to.

So there was a message on the answering machine when I got home. It's from USAA, for Judd, about his claim. His WHHHHHHHUUUUUTTT? HIS CLAIM? He's supposed to call the guy back regarding his loss. His WHHHHHHHUUUUUTTT? HIS LOSS? Did he wreck his motorcycle this morning out in California? The ins. guy even said "I don't know if you're here or in California or where..." so I know it's something that happened today, otherwise he wouldn't have known about California. And he didn't mention anything last night when he called. So I've been trying to call the friend's house, cell phone, office, everything ... can't get hold of anybody and now I'm starting to worry.

Good grief, it's always something, isn't it?

Froufie, GOOD GIRL! I'm VERY VERY proud of you. Hope you have fun at your party without having to worry about Saturday's weigh in.

Lisa, kids are SO ungrateful!

Kathy, I'd be frantic. Hope all is well. Please let us know when you find out something.

kathy, that would scare me to death. i hope dh's all right. and i hope you find out soon. waiting is hard.

frouf, sounds like you're a woman with a plan. i'm proud of you.

i should get back out in the yard. i'm tired, though, plus, i'm sunburned. i had a blast today working out there. there's nothing on tv tonight.

Kathy, I hope everything's OK.

Froufie, you sound re-energized and on the right track again. Way to go! :cheer:

We finished planting the garden tonight. It's going to be very nice I think. We had a rabbit fence up from a few years ago, and this year we added deer netting. Darn animals ate half the garden last year. Grr! I hope we get to enjoy most of the produce this year instead of watching the local wildlife eat it.

Going to watch some Survivor with dh tonight and relax. Tomorrow I'm planning and shopping for our little vacation.

Later!
Angela

Well, I found out he's alright, so when he gets home I'm gonna strangle him.

He had a wreck on MONDAY! He said he planned on telling me when he got home because he didn't want me to worry! He didn't realize the insurance guy might call; in fact they said someone would call him next week when he got back to town but I guess the claim was referred to a local adjuster and that guy didn't know to wait. It did about $2000 damage to his bike. Thank God he is such a stickler for safety. He won't get on it without a helmet, jacket with armor in the back, long pants, gloves, etc. Plus the friend is a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) instructor in Modesto, so I have no doubts that they exercise caution at all times. This was just an instance of going a teeny bit into the gravel during a turn and then just wiping out. He has ridden for years and years, and used to race as well, so he definitely knows what he's doing. It was a fluke thing. Anyway he's fine.

I made a very pretty "practice" potholder -- blue and yellow. I purposely made it in colors that won't match my kitchen so I'll be forced to give it away. The first one is always a little funky but after I've made 6-8 they look darn near professional! :lol: As if that's possible! I don't know why but these things are my favorite ever. I prefer them over any other potholder I've ever used.

Congrats on that garden, Angela. I had a big one last year but we decided not to do it again this year. I'll probably plant some tomatoes and peppers in containers but since it looks like we're going to have a busy summer at work (with possibly lots of overtime ... sort of like a few months ago) I won't be able to maintain another big one. I love fresh vegetables though; there's nothing better. I guess I'll have to hit the farmer's market every week.

Frouf, you're doing fine! I have no doubts that your determination will get you right back where you want to be. How was therapy last night? And good luck to your DD in the recital!

Oh and as for dinner ... I had to go to the grocery store for drinks for work, and the one I went to has a chinese food deli. I got some orange chicken and fried rice, and when I got home I divided it into three dishes -- one to eat then, one for my little DD when she gets home from camping in the morning, and one for my big DD to have when she gets home from work tonight. That worked out pretty well, except I wasn't hungry so I didn't eat my tonight portion. At least I avoided some really bad choices I was thinking about: Mexidips and Chips from Taco Bueno, or fried shrimp from Long John Silver's. I only have two more days of wild eating before DH comes back, and then I have to be good because I'm putting that boy on a strict diet. He has GOT to lose weight, and if I have to plan and prepare and feed it to him, then I will.

Kathy, I'm glad Judd is ok. Accidents are SO scarey.