Terry, your success continues to encourage me. Have a great 4th.

Kathy, I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for you to not speak for so long! Seriously that must have been difficult. Are you going to a class today? Did it ever rain at your house?

Sandra, you can do it! I know you can. It won't be easy, but we'll get there. Like Vickie said, don't let one week get you down. Like Frouf said, it is just a blip on the screen. Take it easy, experiment with some more yummy core foods, and keep on keeping on.

Lisa, sounds like you have been busy but a "good" busy. Good luck to DH with his teeth! Ouch!!

Angela, you have already had an exciting adventure this morning. I hope that I can be half as interesting as a mother as you are. You continue to inspire me with your spontaneity and your creativity!

Vickie, I hope that everything is okay with your DK (dear kitty ). I know I worry about my DP (dear pup) like he is a baby. Oh, I have seen those WW carrot cakes at Wal-Mart and at Kroger, if you have one of those. But I have never tried them cause they are pricey to me. But when DH starts working I will probably buy some! Isn't that pitiful? Have fun on the treadmill.

Frouf, what a week you have had!!! I think I would have pulled all of my hair out, especially waiting on graduation news. But don't give up. You have done great and I know that you will continue to "fight the good fight." I hope that you have a grand time on your vacation and that you don't spend the week worrying. Relax and enjoy!!

DP (dear pup) is begging to go outside and pee. Better take him.

Melissa, you are SO sweet. I'm sure all the kids you worked with loved you. My DK and DP ARE my kids. Thanks for understanding that. Some people don't. You sound really chipper today. Have a great one!

Frouf, I hope you're ok. You know I've been thinking about what I said about the only shame being in quitting completely. Sometimes trying to do a weight loss program can be more stressful than carrying the weight. Whatever you decide, even if it's to take a break, I hope you come back here when you are ready to get back on the wagon. Actually, I hope you still come here even if you do take a break. You know we care about you and your weight loss journey.

Happy Saturday!!

Whew, Frouf!! I would have been a basketcase right alongside you! Congratulations to your DS and have fun on vacation!

It rained a teeny bit but I didn't get to see much of it. And now it's trying again, just sprinkling a bit. They say this is it; after today it goes back to hot and sunny and no chance of rain for a while. I didn't get to plant yesterday so I'm doing it today, then going for a walk. My pants are in the dryer and I still need to eat. And the class is at 11:00. We'll see how the walk goes. I feel a little blah today like I don't have any energy.

I get my WW carrot cakes at Walmart. I need to go get more for my food stash at work but will wait until Monday. I don't dare bring them into the house over the weekend because they'll be gone before I get any!

That darn Zuki ran off and I was starting to panic. I finally had to pull out the big guns ... want to go for a ride? (I was yelling this down the street) and finally he ran up. Of course, he was jumping up and down, thinking we were going somewhere, but instead I smacked him and told him BAD BOY for running away! Judd would have never forgiven me if something happened to his baby on my watch!

Time to eat!

Good morning everyone! I have slept in and am now ready to tackle my looong weekend!! Yippee!!
It is beautiful here today, and even though we need rain desperately I am looking forward to being outside. It is only supposed to be in the low 80's with low humidity, so I'm hoping it will be bearable, unlike the past week or two. We are going to have a cookout at the in-laws today. It is a Job Celebration/4th of July shindig b/c DH has to work on Monday night. So we are celebrating today. I'm looking forward to it except for the food. MIL always has lots of "treats" and isn't satisfied until you have had a little bit of each. Hopefully I can at least control myself and not go overboard.
I forgot to give my w/i report yesterday. I stayed the same. Which again is a miracle given my eating on Thursday night. I am still going to reach for the 180's for next week, but not going to be too hard on myself if I fall short. If I would get off my rear and exercise more things would go a lot better for me.

Vickie, I do understand! I can't imagine what I would do it anything ever happened to my little Murphy dog. He is the baby of the family for sure. I am pretty chipper today! I think it is because I got to sleep in, DH is off work today, DH is getting a (great) new job soon, and I don't have to go back to work until Tuesday! Life is good today! BTW, we were thinking of taking a mini-vacation to Shawnee National Forest (is that the name?). Is that anywhere near you? Or can you give us any tips? I just kind of stumbled across a "visit Illinois" kind of website and it looked interesting.

I also found my WW carrot cakes at Wal-Mart. They were on a little stand near the lobsters. Go figure!

Vickie, I understand about the belly getting in the way. When we were planting the garden this year, my Mom bent over and almost jack-knifed because there was no belly to rest on. It was pretty funny. I'll look forward to swapping garden stories with you next year, because I'll still be here, and you'll be slim and trim and ready to garden!

Thanks for the nice comments on my parenting, guys. I'll be sure to print them out and show them to the girls when they're teenagers. Actually, the creativity and spontaneous-ness were two things I really like about my own mother. I just wish I could be more patient and calm with them.

Our plans for the 4th - if anyone invites us to a BBQ, we'll go. Otherwise, we'll just eat here, then go out on the boat to watch the fireworks. We were going to do that last year, but Ainsley (the baby) split open her cheek and needed stitches. We were just exiting the emergency room when the fireworks were going off. I hope this year will be better.

Speaking of the little muffin, she's up, so I'd better go and be a responsible adult.

Angela

Hi All! We're back with kitty and she's ok. She has a bad sprain but he didn't xray or give a cortisone shot. The Vet is pretty sure that she has arthritis which is aggravated by an episode like this with the dog.

We are going to Niece's on the 4th for a BBQ. No worries for me because there will be plenty of Core foods to eat. I've been asked to make the eclair cake so I'll have to save some points for that. I'm bringing sirloin burgers/buns (for the bread eaters) and Core sweet and sour coleslaw.

Melissa, have fun at your BBQ.

Angela, it will be fun to swap garden stories next summer. I'll have to look at Walmart to see if they have them. My Walmart is not a super Walmart and they only have a little bit of food.

Kathy, hope you had fun at your class.

I'm gonna go eat my snack now!

Oh, Cher, did I buy the right Nature Valley granola bars? I wanted to buy the ones that taste like payday bars. Jim bough the crunchy peanut butter ones. Is that right? I guess I expected them to be chewy?

I didn't go to my class. I sat in the recliner with a blanket and a glass of water and watched a movie. I just couldn't move ... didn't even plant my flowers or go for a walk. Something must have happened to me overnight because I am definitely not perky today. So, anyway ...

Judd came home around noon and left immediately to go to Denton to take the exhaust that he bought to the motorcycle repair shop. They're providing all the other parts, but he bought one from a friend, brand new and still in the box (exhaust, not the friend) and saved $200. That'll help a little to absorb some of the deductible. He should be back soon, but said that he and the friends want to go downtown FW since we didn't get to go last weekend. Ugh. Well, okay. I hate being a party pooper. First, I have to wash my hair but what's the point when I'll come home smelling like smoke? Second, I am really tired and am not in the mood to watch a bunch of people drink. And lastly, I didn't want to spend any money this weekend but I guess we will. I would be just as happy staying home and watching another movie, grilling out, laying low ... but I'm the old one in the group and if I say something, one of them will say something like "man, I hope I'm not that boring when I get YOUR age!" They are just kidding of course, but I try to avoid it anyway.

The Nature Valley granola bars would be GREAT if it really did taste like a PayDay. That's my favorite candy! I usually buy the cinnamon and oats kind.

Wow, it's slow on the board today. I hope it's just that everyone's out having loads of (Core) fun today. I took the girls to the park this afternoon, and then rented Barbie Fairytopia. They are ecstatic! Then, bathtime, bed, and I get to watch my movie. I rented The Terminal. I heard it wasn't that good, but oh well.

Nighty-night everyone. I'll check back in before I go to bed, and if no one has been here by then, I'll really start to worry.

Angela

vickie, thank you for your words of encouragement. i won't give up. i promise. i've just been sidetracked a bit. i'll get back on core soon. it may take me a couple of days. i've just sort of hit bottom right now. i'll bounce, especially with all of you helping me.

lisa, sounds like you had a good time while the kids were visiting. poor dh. i feel for him getting those teeth pulled. he's going to need a lot of tlc.

angela, what a wonderful surprise seeing the hot air balloon. i've always wanted to ride in one. curtis is promising to take me for a ride some day. they have them up near kalispell. maybe some day. congratulations on being on core. i am proud of you. you are very determined.

congratulations to you, too, vivian. yo're doing great.

here's what happened today. curtis and i competed at the 3d archery tournament. we walked around 3 miles shooting targets. my feet are aching soooooo bad. i even cried part of the time. (wonder why people were staring at me?) we have decided not to go back for the 2nd half tomorrow. my doctor told me to do what i thought i could. i think i've already done it. i have pt twice this coming week plus 1 doctor's appointment. if all goes well, i'll be competing at the state field championship next sat/sun. i honestly don't think the course will be as long and rugged as the one this weekend. i hope not, anyway.

vickie, i've seen those carrot cakes at super walmart. i always had cats until i got with dh back in 97. he's allergic. the last cat i had disappeared when i was spending the night at a friend's. i was super upset. i even went to a psychic to try to find out what happened. i hope your dk is all right.

melissa, thank you for being my cheerleader. congratulations on turtling. i'm happy for you. okay, i need to get busy, don' t i? have fun at your in-laws.

kathy, i have to tell you what happened today. we had shot about 33 of the 40 targets. my foot was hurting really bad and i was ready to quit when we came upon a few (just a few cuz there aren't many around) bluebonnets. i picked one stem and thought of texas. corny, i know. but this actually gave me some strength to finish the last 7 targets. i put that bluebonnet stalk in my visor and wore it all the way. curtis understood what was happening because he's a native texan, too. up here they are called lupines. whenever i see any, i always tell everyone around they are really "texas bluebonnets." just wanted to share this with you.

it's early but curtis and i are already ready for bed. we're exhausted. i'm still in a lot of pain, too. okay, i'll stop whining. i need to end these pity parties. i guess i should be happy that i got out today and did something.

have a good evening. i'll be back tomorrow.

Sandra, you sound exhausted and in such pain! Don't worry about whining -- we need to get those feet of yours fixed up! I had to smile at the bluebonnet story. They are my favorite part of the spring, when you drive down the highways and see fields of blue on both sides. So pretty!

We nixed the downtown idea (again) and went to the marina. Sat outside on the patio under an umbrella. I was pretty good though, a baked potato, a few popcorn (fried) shrimp, and one beer. Scale wasn't affected. I've been drinking a ton of water all day long so I'm sure that helped.

Angela, I really liked The Terminal. I hope you do too.

I'm ready for bed too. I guess this was just a busy busy day for everybody!

Like a ghost-town today!
Well we spent a very long time at the in-laws today. I was planning on moving furniture today but FIL called and asked DH to help him put up some fencing. So we were there all day long, just got back. Needless to say we aren't moving the bed tonight. I ate a lot of non-core foods. There, I said it. And to top it off she sent them all home with us. No, there is no stopping her. The best I could do was limit how much she gave us. I will probably end up throwing a lot of it away unless DH eats it. I appreciate her though, she is the best.

Vickie, glad to hear that the kitty is doing okay.
Kathy, I don't think it is your age. Most nights I would rather just hang around the house. I am a home-body I guess. I hope that you have fun though.
Angela, We liked The Terminal. We didn't think it was the greatest, but it wasn't as bad as we had heard either. It is long, as I recall. Hope you enjoyed your evening.
Sandra, I know that you can do it. I think you are just great. I hope that you will rest your feet and take care of yourself. In the meantime, at least you can know that you got some great exercise in today, even if it wasn't the best choice...always looking for that silver lining. Have a great day tomorrow. We are going to get back on that core wagon in full swing this week!!!

Can I rant for a minute? Thanks.
I feel so desperate to lose this stinkin' weight and yet I continue to submit to urges that aren't even that spectacular. I think about a food, know that I will feel crappy after eating it, and still indulge in that "just for a moment" good feeling. I think, I can do Core, I can eat this way...and then something comes up and I just cave. I think about the fact that I have lost almost 15 pounds with all of the cheating I have done, and if I would just stick to my guns how much I could lose, so much faster. So I am going to try to do better this week.
I couldn't have even gotten this far without the support of you guys. I appreciate it. And I will be leaning on you even more in the next few weeks I think!!

Thanks everyone. This board is such great support...kind of like a really great bra, you know?

What in the world am I doing wrong? I am trying to get a time and temp thing like you guys have (even though I still can't see them). And it is just printing the code. Help!

Melissa, I'm on my way to bed and was going to just read for now and answer posts in the morning. When I saw your question about the temp thing, I decided to jump in for a moment. The same thing happened to me. First you choose "edit signature", then when you get there, click on the picture that says "insert image" then put your hyperlink information in that field. The code you see written should be proceeded and followed by the letter img. Save that and see what happens. Hope that made sense.

I'll be back tomorrow morning to chat. Just got home from night out and need to go check on my kitty.

A bit late but just got back from the movies with the gang (dh, gf from Toronto, her dh, her bil, her dd) - we took their dd to see "The perfect man" as they wanted to watch "War of the worlds" (too scary for the 10 yr old). Fun was had by all -yes I had popcorn and diet coke - but that in fact was my dinner!

I am sad to say I did gain 3 whole pounds - but don't worry Vickie - I AM NOT GIVING UP - thanks for the continued inspiration from you and my other chickie pals! I have decided to undo some of this damage BEFORE I leave and as TOM is almost over this might help too!

I had a core breakfast and lunch- met the female "gang" at the mall - got dd a Little kitty purse and wallet for the trip (so cute in pink and lime green) and a white frilly skirt - then to the bookstore for travel reading- at which point I started to feel pretty bad. Had a bit of headache which suddenly got worse to the point of feeling nauseous! Met my gf at designated spot at 5 pm and she said "you don't look too good".

Told her I felt kinda shaky and headachy and queasy - I really think it was "carb withdrawal" as I was eating lots of sugar and other bad stuff for the past week. So she whips out this nature valley trail mix bar - not core, but I ate it - along with a hot coffee- which kept me going enuf to get us all home.

Got undressed, took 2 advil and into bed- boy did I look pasty and green! (froufs generally tend to be more on the "pink" side!). A couple hours later I was quite revived! Good enuf to go to the movies!!

So I am hanging in there but I just can't hack a 2 day carb withdrawal headache right now - esp as I leave for my vacation - so I will just be as careful as I can while maintaining some good eating habits. I even got online and looked up some meetings at my brother's place in Florida and might even try and attend one if time permits! That would be so fun and different!

Tomorrow is more laundry and some serious packing on my part as I know Monday will bring some of those unanticipated time stealers and I need to be super organized! I have been reading all my disney literature and checking out many websites and this is getting me excited.

Sandra - sorry to hear about your tootsies still hurting- I am impressed with your determination and stamina to continue! Good luck next weekend.

Kathy- sounds like you are very much in control....and yes sometimes it is more relaxing just to stay home and veg out. Glad you were able to lure Zuki out of hiding.

Angela- that hot air balloon landing close by must have been awesome! How exciting for the girls.

Sisvivian - good work on getting rid of some of those excess pounds!

Gee Melisssa - I will presume being compared to a good bra is a major compliment? (better than a good supportive jockstrap I guess!)

So it's after 1 am and I'm not that tired due to my little nap - but should get to bed as my little guy will be up and at 'em pretty early.

Frouf

Good Morning Friends! I just got up at 7:30. I was pretty darned tired last night when we got home.

Hey Kath, hope you're feeling more perky today. Nothing wrong with just wanting to relax. It sounds like you did much better than in days past with your food and drink at the marina. I'm the baby in my group and they always expect me to be the life of the party! Jim and I are really homebodies. We like to stay home and nest with the periodic day trip here and there.

Frouf, I am SO glad to hear from you. You're a beautiful combination of the Energizer Bunny (with the exception of yesterday's mini-stall in the mall) and a Weeble (sp?). You know Weebles wobble but they don't fall down! I do NOT know how you do it. I'm really sorry about your gain but it sounded as though you expected it. You just need to have that vacation and enjoy it. They don't come around often enough. You've developed some great eating habits so I'm sure you won't eat as badly as you once would have.

Great Niece is going to Disney in September with my Sister (her Mom) and BIL. Jim and I are supposed to be going next time which will probably be a year from then. Great Niece will be 5 and Great Nephew will be 3. I'm thinking I'll be able to keep up. So bring back all your tips and ideas for me. Although, my Niece is becoming quite the expert. She likes it as much as her daughter! I think it would be great fun to go to a meeting in another state. Too bad we don't have anyone in Orlando! Do you leave on Monday?

Melissa, I don't have any great advice but I understand exactly what you are saying. I'm sure all of us have experienced those cycles. I think it all comes down to analyzing the situation every time it comes up. It stinks, but each and every meal is a decision for us. Will I eat Core or prolong my weight loss efforts? How we answer the question is a matter of so many subjective things that are going on in our lives at that very moment. I bet if you were firm and kind with your MIL and told her that you are trying to do this program and that it was very important to you, she would be supportive. I've had to be really tough this time though with some of my friends. Who knows what their reasons are but by their actions they are trying to sabotage what I'm trying to do for myself. I think you just have to refuse to let them. I've just decided to be very selfish for at least the next 3 years that it'll take me to lose this 150 pounds. Nothing is more important to me than me at the moment. Now, I think it's easier for me because I have SOOOOO much weight to lose. I know it's going to get harder to say no to the goodies and to the Enablers when I finally get down to your weight. I'm hoping that by the time I get there, Core eating will just really be ingrained in me! You know you could just get really tough and rigid and push through to your goal with no cheats for as long as it takes. Then you could go into maintanence mode. Wouldn't that be fun?! I hope you have a very successful week. Maybe we should challenge you to one perfect Core week beginning with your next weigh in. Wouldn't it be exciting if you had a big loss?

Sandra, what a day! I'm sure I would have given up, probably about the time that the tears started to flow. You are one amazing BMW! I'm glad you're not going back today, though. It sounded like you were in a lot of pain. I'm glad to hear that you are nearly back on the wagon. It's not easy to stay on the darn thing though!

Angela, I have actually seen Barbie Fairytopia and the Terminal. Having a Great Niece and Nephew that I babysit for will keep me in touch with all the kid movies. Great Niece turned 4 in April and she wanted everything Fairytopia. I was disappointed that someone else snagged the Bibble stuffed animal that she wanted. I got to buy her the Fairytopia Styling Head! I like alot of kid movies anyway! I actually own Shrek and Shrek II and several others. Jim and I liked the Terminal. I'm glad we didn't go to the show to see it but I thought it was a good rental. Hope you enjoyed it.

So nothing big planned for me today. We'll be cooking steaks on the grill later and I'll be making the stuff to bring with us tomorrow.

I'll check in with you all later. I get to eat at 8:45 then I have to get my patootie onto the treadmill!