I had a total hysterectomy 20 years ago and have been on hormones since then. They're fine, it's just me.

Well, good morning everybody. I was late for work (what's new?) and the Air Force is here today. They're looking for Mavs tickets but I'm staying out of it. We found a pair for $2200 yesterday on ebay but I doubt they'd want to pay that much. Anyway, I'm feeling frazzled from getting a late start although I do look very cute today with a new pantsuit. It's (Froufy) pink linen with the same color pink embroidery around the bottom of the pant legs and bottom of the top. At least it helps to look decent.

I'll be back in a minute. Right now I have to go look at Angela's hair.

Morning all. I can't stay but just wanted to say hello. I've had a busy morning already and I'm hoping to get out of here a little bit early today. I'm looking forward to my lunch and my dinner! This is exciting. I hope that you are all op and feeling great!

Congrats to Niki on her loss! :goodscale

:dust: for us all. We can do it!

I can't stay because this joint is hopping......but I have a suggestion for Angela. My Niece swears by a Suzanne Somers product. I'll have to look it up and tell you later. As far as style.....assuming you don't want to cut it....how about taking the two large sections on each side of your part in the front nearest to your face and braiding it. I've then seen girls pull the braids back off their face and secure them around the back or down over the ear. This would give you some type of control and maybe make your hair seem less full? I'll see if I can find a picture.

How about this?

http://www.dressytresses.com/hair/ga...uct/hair-roll/

Or this?

http://www.dressytresses.com/hair/ga.../reverse-roll/

It's called Taming of the Frizz by Suzanne Somers. It's not available on her website right now nor is it available on Home Shopping Network. My Niece swear by it. I have POKER straight hair so this is something I cannot identify with. Good luck!

Angela, I like your hair a lot. I think if you want to keep it curly but in a manageable style, then layering will also be your best option. They could probably keep it in long enough layers to still go into a ponytail. I have pretty much the same hair type and when I airdry it, it does exactly what yours does. I usually blow dry it straight and then also use a straightening iron.

Frouf, I so understand what you're going thru. We make a whole lot of money but that doesn't make Judd understand that there are still limits. You can't spend $1000 a month on golf and related accessories (not to mention gas to these far-off courses, lunches and dinners out, 'refreshments' while on the course, etc.) and not have it impact the budget. We have had $600 in vet bills just in the last two weeks that were very unexpected, and then there are all these doctor bills that are still flowing in from my 90% that I owe on surgery, etc. Everything that I budget, he goes over. I needed tires so I asked how much, and he said about $450. It was $650 though, because he decided to get better ones. Well for cornbread's sake! Just TELL me so I can adjust! When there is a set amount of money coming in, you can't have infinite expenses! He, of course, just knows that it all is taken care of and he doesn't have to worry about it, so spends like it's water.

And so I was trying very hard not to think about it, and finally (after turning off the lights at 10:30) fell asleep around midnight. I woke up, however, to the sound of sirens and alarms. It seems as though the fire alarm that's tied into the security system had been activated somehow. He's punching in codes and swearing, then throwing things around and swearing more, and stomping and kicking things and swearing. I quietly got up, went to the utility room where I keep all the booklets and manuals on different things, called the alarm company, got instructions on what to do, then told him. He did it, the alarm stopped and all was quiet again. They said put a vacuum cleaner hose next to the monitor and turn it on. Sounded like a bunch of voo-doo hooey to me, but he did it and it worked. Anyway, then of course he left the vacuum sitting in the middle of the room. Well we go back to bed and I couldn't sleep again. I got up and went to the family room to watch TV for a while and all of a sudden, I had to throw up! TMI! I did, about six times, then felt a little better. I finally went to sleep around 3:00 I guess.

I'm not eating anything on my menu today though so I should probably go edit it. Maybe later.

Wow Vickie, how totally cute. We might have to rename our board soon to fashion tips!:carrot:

I really like the reverse roll (the 2nd one). I was planning on doing something like that to keep it out of my face, but not slicked back like the "peeled onion" look my mom speaks of. :lol:

I have an appointment at my salon Thurday evening. It's been over a year since I've even gotten it cut, so it's time. I also had them schedule time for a consultation. I hope they're kind. :)

Kathy, I'm so glad my husband doesn't golf. :lol:

Angela

Gee Kathy, do you think it was a bug, or something you ate? I do hope that your problem is solved. What time is your appointment?

Niki, congratulations, GOOD JOB!

Frouf, yes, it is a nice day. It's so nice that we're questioning going to the show, but will still probably do it. I didn't read the book, cause ds took it to Kitchener after I bought it. From what I've heard, you enjoy the movie more if you didn't read the book, so maybe we're better off. Lord knows I know about money issues, but you and Kathy have to get a little tough. Hey, when we work our butts off, we are allowed a say in the Money Talk!

Got some things done outside this morning. I also picked up two pair of capris from the dress maker and they fit just fine now. It feels like I'm getting new clothes. The spa certificate is for a place nearby, which is good. I paid $50.00 for the manicure and pedicure, not bad. I'll have it done before we go away in July.

Okay, I'm thirsty for my Nestea 0. It's really good.:)

My appointment is at 4:00 so I'll leave here at 3:30, provided I can even stay that long. I think I can though.

Yes, Angela, these "boy" hobbies are just too danged expensive for me! Between motorcycles and golf, every available penny is sucked up. And then some!

Something interesting happened to a man here at work. His daughter had a baby over the weekend and didn't even tell them (my coworker and his wife) that she was pregnant until 6 hours before the delivery. I guess she was going into labor and figured she couldn't hide it anymore. So what do you think about THAT? His older daughter had a baby 4 years ago (also not married) and has been on-again off-again with the baby's dad, and the baby's dad has been in and out of jail, but recently he got out and assaulted the girl and now she's pregnant again! Good night, and I think *I've* got problems with *my* kids!!

I guess I should do some work now. BBL.

Kathy, I'm sorry you're sick. I hope you feel better soon.

Angela, enjoy your day of pampering.

Well, check out my menu. I let myself eat as much as I wanted so far. With my plan for dinner, which is large, I came in at .5 over my daily Flex allowance. As long as I don't eat anything else tonight, I should be good. I also walked on the treadmill. I honestly don't know what else I could do.

Vickie, was your official w/i up as well? Did they have any suggestions for you?

Maybe you should try not eating your 35 WPAs or APs? :dunno:

Wow Kathy - what a night! I'm sure it was not all the excitement that made you sick - sure hope you are feeling better (and in the pink in your lovely outfit! :) ). Can you give Judd a monthly budget for his "hobbies"? LIke $X per month for golf and snacks and motorcylcing and whatever else? And when it runs out - IT RUNS OUT! He should be able to ration it and decide where his priorities lie?

Niki - BIG CONGRATS on your weight loss - way to go (and I'm sure you burn up even more calories cleaning up what dh and kiddies left behind!).

Vickie - Good job on getting on that treadmill! Hope you are feeling a bit better today?

...and I love those hairdos for Angela - who it seems has taken our advice to heart and will be sporting a new 'do' shortly! We will of course need to see pics of the new you!

I am craving major comfort food today and wanting to get cozy for the night! I think it's cuz I'm freezing after being in this frigid boardroom all afternoon at a meeting (I had the sense to bring a light sweater/jacket but my poor toes in my sandals are frozen!). Have LO chicken and really want to have mashed potatoes and peas with it for dinner!

Unfortunately I will have to venture out as dd called me from friend's place - completing after school project and needs to be picked up at 6:30 (at least it's not too late). Dh going out drumming tonight and I plan to get into my jammies after than, get cozy and watch tv. Hopefully I will be able to sleep tonight.

Other best news is dh did call his contact (previous gov contracts) and hopefully in a week or two they will have some good news for him - some continuing work over the summer (approx 133 hours) and maybe some more future contracts! (I made him call to check as we are desperately trying to make arrangements for little ds in regard to summer camp or sitter or home w/dad - to save $$, so need to get info on his possible work schedule so we will know when ds has to go to camp!). I am already feeling frazzled about making the plans. Then there's dd - and her dad - wants her to stay a few weeks in the summer - I think early-mid July? So trying to coordinate her leadership training camp with that....and did I even mention that I would LOVE to have a summer holiday? (well at least w/some $$ coming in it's a possibility?)

Frouf

Good morning everyone (well, good afternoon I guess, but morning for me!) It was not a bad weekend at work at all. It is very unusual for me to only have 5 or 6 patients all night on weekend nights and not get any admissions! I'll take it anytime. I am tired though. I did a lot of lifting and tugging and my back feels it.
Kathy, I hope you are feeling better. Sounds like a viral bug but who knows.
Niki, congrats on the weight loss.
Vicki, I hope you are feeling better today. I am sure the 7 lbs is just temporary. It will come off again.
I am still trying to catch up on posts but I need to go visit my favorite aunt in the hospital so I better go for now.
Have a good evening everyone.
Oh, I don't have to cook dinner!! Craig was off last night and he made a hugh pot of ratatouille for tonight....yum.
Bye for now.

hi, chickies. i'm home from the doctors'. the rheumatologist is having some tests run on me. in the meantime he has put me on mobic (anti-inflammatory). the podiatrist said, "i'm here for you anytime." which i take as there's no complete cure for what ails me. lol

anyway, my spirits are up. i vow to age gracefully. the senior olympics are this coming friday. just had a call from the local paper. they are coming out fri am to do an article on curtis and me. guess they'll be there during the shooting. lol i'll let ya'll know what happens.

frouf, i understand your stress. wish i knew what to say to make things better for you. guess i can just say what the doc told me, "i'm here for you anytime."

nikki, congratulations. i am very happy for you. you have to be all smiles.

kathy, i'm glad you're not menopausal. i hope you find out what's up soon. i hope you're feeling better.

melissa, i'm op on core. so far so good. i hope the wp dust is helping you. i'm rolling in it now so i can get a good dose.

angela, we'll be watching for a photo of your new "do."

saundra, sounds like you're having a good day. a manicure and pedicure sound really good to me.

vickie, i made a grocery run today and stocked up on a lot of core goodies. your menu looks good. i need to go edit mine.

paula, i'm glad you had a good weekend.

rose, where are you, my friend?

Niki, I'm SO sorry that I missed you post! Congratulations!!!!! You are doing spectacular and you should be VERY proud of yourself. I hope to be back on the losing bandwagon with you soon.

Kathy, I didn't go to weigh in. My spirit did not need the kick. My plan is to definetly not use any of my AP's. I'm trying to not eat any WPA's but I know that's not realistic for me. At my weight, I get 30 points per day NOT counting WPA's. I know 30 seems like a ton of food but it doesn't when you are my size. Everything is relative. Today, my plan is to use none. I'm going to make the orange dreamsicle so I might use one or 2 points. This is going to get confusing. I'm still doing Core and eating core foods. So do I just charge myself points for non-Core foods or should I charge myself for all food over 30 points? I think I'm just going to charge myself for non-Core foods. I'm really only weighing and measuring to see how my portions are. I'm sure I'll get bored of this quickly. Maybe I'm just destined to be fat. Sounds defeatist, doesn't it?! I'm working on my attitude.

Sandra, I hope the medicine helps you pain and does not hinder your weight loss efforts. It is such a struggle for us all.

Frouf, the silver lining is showing in your clouds a bit. I'm happy for you. I hope your DH gets the contracts soon.

Thanks for the support, Paula. I hope you're right about the pounds.

My pool was supposed to be opened today but the guy never showed up. I'm trying to track the company down now to see what happened and to find out when he's coming next. We had to turn the air on because it got pretty warm today. I would have liked to put the solar cover on to get the water warmed up.

Jim is out getting our dinner. I probably won't be back later. We rented Shawshank Redemption. We never saw it and my GF (as well as the rest of the world) said it was spectacular. Later!

Hi everyone! I have to tell you that after dinner we made some of the graham cracker treats (ff cool whip between two lf graham cracker halves, 1 pt/each). They were awesome!! You are really supposed to let the cool whip defrost, then slather it on the crackers, then freeze. I just took the frozen cool whip and put it between the grahams. They were awesome! Tasted like ice cream. Even DH loved them. :D

Vickie, I'm sorry that you are feeling down. It sounds like you are really taking the steps to make a difference though, and I'm proud of you! It's hard to do that. So much easier just to go to McDonald's. ;) Have a great evening with your HL and movie. :)

Sandra, I'm glad that you are in good spirits after your appointment today. We're going to reach our goals! Glad to hear that you are back on core. We can all do this together. I'm feeling quite positive today. Hopefully it won't change by tomorrow. :lol:

Frouf, I hope that you get some good healthy comfort food tonight!

Kathy, your friend's situation sounds like the clients that I work with. I know that has to be very hard on parents! I hope that you are feeling better tonight.

Good evening, my dd is almost sleeping, I am trying to cut out her naps because when she naps she will stay up till 12am, so I would rather have her awake all day and be in bed by 7pm so I can have the nights to my self, my ds is 6 so he is not alot of work and is usually in bed by 9pm. My mom is flying to Cypress tonight with my brother & sil so I will be a nervous wreck till they land. My grandmother passed away 2 years ago so my mom has to go because they sold her house there.

Kathy hope you feel better soon, it does sound like a stomach virus. I am going to have to ask my dh about putting the vacuum hose to the alarm system, that is his line of work and I never heard of that. Who would of thought that works.

Vickie I hope you cheer up soon, I believe the weight is temporary, It happened to me, I went to get weighed in and I was up 6lbs, I did not even cheat, but the following week it was all off. You really sound motivated, I believe you will do it, Look at your stats you already lost 45lbs.

Saundra how was the movie, I can't wait to see the Da vinci code.


Melissa those graham cracker cool whip treats are awesome, a friend of mine introduced that to me a few years ago

Paula I am glad to hear you had a quiet shift, being a Nurse is not easy work, when I was in the hospital for both my c-sections, the nurses really work hard.

Angela great hair,I think alot of long layers will do the trick. Jon frieda has a frizz ease serum that works great, really tames the hair.

Froufie good luck with dh & his contacts. I know the feeling about not alot of extra money, I want to do so much but not till I go back to work, even then it will only be part time.

Sandra Pee yuuu, I can smell it too :D Do you have any suggestions how to keep raccoons out of the yard. Hope the meds give you some relief.


Hi Rose

Home from the doctor! He said I could ditch the boot and wear any shoe that I feel is comfortable, and that it's only going to get better if I use it (foot, that is). Therapy is on my own. He said it will be a year or more before I'm back to normal. I go back in six months for a recheck. The bones looked good and there's a bit calcification starting in one tendon area but he said we would watch it. I'm hoping that the nerves come back very soon because the tingling is very annoying.

Vickie, I don't think anyone is destined to be fat! Good grief, girlie, don't get that mindset! I'm sure that after exercise starts back and if you decrease your intake, the losses will start again. I believe (but what do I know) that maybe your body has gotten used to the amount you're giving it. I'm sorry to hear about your pool guy but maybe they'll show up tomorrow. It was 95 here today (totally swimming weather) and is supposed to be 97 tomorrow. You should be here! You could swim 8 months out of the year!

Melissa, the CW/graham cracker things sound really good! I'm so hungry right now and Judd is mowing but when he's done, I will see if he wants to go get something. I just can't think about cooking right now. I'm sure he'll be too tired or hot though, so I might have to do it anyway. :(

Sandra, I have taken Mobic in the past and it worked well for arthritis. Hopefully it'll work for you. It would be nice to have a definitive diagnosis, but sometimes I think they'll never find out what's wrong with me until they do an autopsy! :lol:

The nurse at the dr. office was limping when we were in there a month ago and we asked her what was wrong. She had had a scooter accident. Today I asked her how she was healing up and she said fine, and ssshhhh ... don't tell the doctor this but she just traded the scooter for a regular motorcycle. We kept talking and I told her I had just bought one right before my accident, blah blah blah, and it turns out she bought the same model I did! Today was her first day to ride to work; it still has paper tags on it. She was afraid to tell the doctor, probably because she doesn't want a lecture. But I asked him when I could start riding and he said whenever I felt up to it and as long as my insurance was paid up. Smarty pants!

Okay, the mower just stopped so I'd better head outside and get the scoop.

Hi all: I am here Sandra, perking along in the pink. We just got a estimate for our a new roof, over $6,000.00 No wonder our money goes so quickly eh? Actually I was a saver and we saved enough that David could retire comfortably at 56. His job was stressful and you burn out if you keep at it.
I think it was easier then it is for you young people today. We did have help from my parents also.
Wow, Sandra you and Curtis are famous now, getting interviewed. Let us know how it goes.

How many of you girls count points also as well as Core. I have to be honest I try and eat close to Core but I am counting all the way. I go to the Dr. every three months and he keeps track of my weight. I feel so lumpy as I said but because of the meds I take it is harder to lose.

I made the salmon patties tonight and they were good. Some one mentioned them a few days ago and it has been on my mind ever since. I also made the best pumpkin pie. I have tried about 4 that are posted on the net but did not like them until I found this one. It is not core though as it does have flour. The points are low on it though.

I wonder when w.w. will change their diet again. Seems to me they change every once in a while. Vicki you sound so sad about your weight. I wish their was something to cheer you. Life is not always fair is it. My husband went out and ate 6 desserts at the buffet the other day and he does not gain a lb. I just look at him in wonder. lol

Niki, looking good, congratulations on the loss.

Froufie, maybe things are going to look better to you, nice to her hubby had some good news about contracts.

Paula you did have a easy time at work but lifting has to be hard on the back. Many nurses say it is hard to lift some of the people.

Angela hope you like your new hair style. I can not do much with mine as it is very short.

Well must go to town and get some hair dye, and hit the dye pot.
Blue skies,
Rose

hi there, rose. it's good to see your smiling post here. salmon patties sound good. i think kathy and someone else were talking about them a few days ago. i am counting pts while doing core. (just really started today) i'm glad your doctor is keeping his eyes on you.

wow! roofs are expensive, aren't they? we just had our house painted on the outside. that was pricey, too. glad we don't have to do it often.

have a good evening. get that hair dyed.

Niki, sounds like you are a busy woman! Glad you are getting some "relief" from dd. :lol:

Kathy, DH is mowing here too. We've already eaten though. I got to leave work about 1/2 hour early and you would have thought I'd won the lottery, I came home and was so productive. I'm glad that you got a good report at the doctor's office. You have been through so much and still not managed to gain your weight back. Very impressive girlie!

Rose, have fun with the hair dye. ;) $6000 for a roof!!! I hope that doesn't come my way any time soon. :crossed:

DH has been mowing and I've been planting my marigolds in the veggie garden, keeping fingers crossed that it will keep the cat away. I got the prettiest 4 pk of marigolds at the farmer's market Saturday for $1. They had all sorts of annuals and I'm wishing I had gotten some more. I think I'll go back this week and see if they are there again. There was another booth that had hanging baskets for $6!! But when I got there all I had left was $3. :lol: Hopefully next weekend!
Well I need to go do my flylady "mission" for today, pack lunches, pick out clothes for tomorrow, etc. Today was so much less stressful because I had done those things last night.
BBL.

kathy - congrats on getting rid of the boot - before you know it you'll be back in your stilettos? :D When are you planning to get back on your motorcycle?

Vickie - hang in there - like Niki said you have already lost 45 LBS - that is an amazing loss and you have kept it off which is even harder to do. I agree w/Kathy maybe shaking things up a bit will help?

Niki - I bet you will be thrilled once dd drops the naps and goes to bed early - at least you will have some evening time to yourself!

Melissa - good luck w/the marigolds - let us know if it works! I do plan on planting some tomatoes along side of the house and wondering if my bunny friends will get into them? (or some other creatures?). And it's time for us to mow as well - we have had so much rain I can't believe how fast the grass is growing!

rose - so what color is the dye pot? I was going to try that hair glaze I got the other day (my roots are starting to show and my blonde highlights are fading) anyhow I get it all ready and out and start reading the directions and such and there is says on the page: not recommended for highlights! Well for goodness sake - do ya think you maybe should have put that on the OUTSIDE of the box? (so people like me would not have bought the stuff if they could were not supposed to use it?) Luckily I had not opened any tubes/bottles so stuffed everything back in the box and I guess I shall just hold onto it for a while. I might try it later on once my highlights have really grown out and before I redo them - to see how the product works!

And yes I tried the new mousse again and still not that fond of it - while it does add volume it does not have 'firmness' - hard to explain - hair is too fluffy and no real 'hold' to the volume - will start looking around for something else to try! (got some coupons in mail for new product called 'sunsilk' made for different hair problems - and yes Angela there will be one for poufy/frizzy hair - not out til end of the month but I might give it a try - buy 2 products and get the 3rd free).

No comfort food for me - altho I have not been eating well or core for that matter. Big ds brought the "Dunn's special' home last night so I had some of the leftovers! ($9.99 for smoked meat, rye bread, container of potato salad and cole slaw).

Picked up dd at friends - did the tim horton's drive thru for coffee and goodies for kids - then home for tv watching. Frankly it did not feel as satisfying an evening as I had imagined it to be when at work?

Tomorrow is another birthday lunch out - chinese food no less! http://www.shanghaiottawa.com/

...oh and here's a pic dd found on dance school website (www.planetdanceinc.com) - this is the entire competitive team in their "le jazz hot' showstopping lineup. If you look at the row sticking out farthest to the right - she is the 2nd one in.

You' d think I would be ready for bed now (but I'm not!)

Frouf

Melissa, our son offered to come down and help dh put on a new roof but I heard dh say, "Thanks, but no thanks" It costs a lot to even get rid of the shingles so dh said I would rather have them come and do it in a day.

Sandra, the roof was put on 1980 and dh and ds put it on and it cost $700.00 and we thought that was bad and now $6,000.00.

Oh I forgot to say it is in the dye pot tomorrow, I do it myself. It is kind of light brown.

Well must go listen to the news.
Blue Skies,
Rose

Froufie I go to Tim Horton's nearly every day. We meet friends there for coffee. I don't think our American friends have very many Horton's in U.S.
Our coffee shops are full all the time.
I have never heard of that Chinese Restaurant. We went to a new one in our area with friends last week. It was called Imperial I believe.

I could not see the picture, I wonder if it is just my computer or what, can you other gals see it.

Well you all are probably tucked in by now, I am a night hawk. I usually go to bed about 1a.m. but I do not get up until 8 a.m I am fortunate I do not have to get up during the night like so many of my friends do.

Hmm, just wondering the difference between this and the other one I usually post on.:cp: I wonder if this will work:D I think this would take me more time I would be looking up all these smilies. :dizzy:
Don't pay any attention to me I am just having fun.
I guess there will be lots of bugs still up North.:df:
well I am going to post and see what happens.
Rose

frouf, what a gorgeous group of young dancers. your buttons must be popping with pride. congratulations to you, too, for not having comfort foods today. i stayed core and need to go post. i'm behind.

rose, i love it!!! i'm right there with you hitting buttons.

melissa, get some more annuals. you're making me want some, too. you know i have to copy you.

Good Morning Chicks! I'm up early because I had a bad dream. I hope to nap later. My weight is down a smidgen this morning so at least I've stopped gaining. I don't even want to calculate what I'm at now because it is no longer 45 pounds down. My attitude is feeling better this morning, although it's still not great. I'm trying. My body is very sore from walking at a faster speed for a slower amount of time. I decided that faster was better. We'll see.

We didn't watch Shawshank Redemption last night but watched Wimbledon instead. I think Honey Lamb was afraid to show me such a serious movie right before bed. It was a cute romantic story with a bit of humor.

Kath, I'm trying to watch my portions but I'm not going to worry about being at 30 points. That's what I'm supposed to eat for my weight. WW always says you should eat your minimum points. I will try very hard not to use my WPA's for anything frivoulous. I shall try to stick to Core foods. Sometimes, though, I really want my margarine. That is often what I spend my points on. I'm a fat and carb addict through and through. Every meal is a battle. That's just the best news ever about your foot! I'd hold off on the motorcycle for a while though. I guess he thought the swelling was normal? You are a very lucky woman to have bounced back so quickly. I really thought it would be about 6 months before you got back into a regular shoe. I'm sure that your postive attitude and desire to get into the shoe helped. Now you can REALLY be back to running your household. What did you end up eating for dinner?

Melissa, those treats sound yummy! I think I'll pass until I'm more in control. Is there a recipe or is it really just cool whip between two graham crackers? You are really being a motivation for me. I'm glad you're planning and organizing. It seems to be helping your stress level alot!

Niki, I hope your Mom is home from her trip and that you can stop worrying about her. My Niece is going through the same with her 5 year old DD. She doesn't really want her naps anymore so it's pretty much agreed. The almost 3 year old LOVES his naps. He'll be the hard one to break.

Rose, our new roof cost us $9,750 almost 4 years ago. We upgraded to the shingles that look like shake effect and put water barrier all along all the peaks and valleys to guard from ice dams and such. We really have to worry about that stuff here in the Midwest where we have snow and ice on the roof alot. It was also complicated by the fact that we have a ranch house which means more roof surface since we are all on one level. I almost fainted when they gave us the quote.

Frouf, sorry you can't use the glaze. I decided to have highlights done again for summer. I feel too dark and one dimensional at the moment. Your lunch today could be very delicous and fattening! I love hot and sour soup which I think is Core. I'd be trying to fill up on that while trying not to notice crunchy eggrolls all around. If they have anything healthy, they sure weren't bragging about it. I LOVED the picture of the girls in their dance costumes. Emily looks like an adorable Frouf with a nice smile. Let me know if you find a great volume mousse. Jim uses the Fructis one that you mentioned the other day but he doesn't really want volume, just hold. I use a Redken one and it's pretty good but not great. I understand what you mean when you talk about it not having hold. I look nice when I style it but then I have to spray it too or it won't stay. I'd like to skip the spray. I hope you got to sleep at a decent hour and that we won't be hearing a report from a very sleepy Frouf this morning!

Ok, off to post my menu. I actually know what we are having for dinner. The point thing is annoying because now I have to break down all the recipes and try to figure points. Harumpf.

Morning friends!

Sandra, you are so silly. You don't copy me. Right now I'm following in your footsteps. Lead the way! :D I do plan on getting some more flowers. I love them and am excited to finally have a yard of my own to invest in. How are your roses by the way?

Rose, looks like you had fun with the smilies! :) You sure are a night owl. I am always so tired.

Frouf, sounds like you didn't get to rest all that much last night. Good luck at the Chinese place. I know there are lots of core options but I love the fried rice and eggrolls too much. I better stop thinking about it. :lol:

Kathy, I hope that you are feeling good this morning!

Vickie, you sound like you are in better spirits today. I loved Wimbledon! I think that's a cute movie. Probably a good choice for you yesterday too. I'm sorry that you are frustrated with counting points but maybe it will help in the long run. And I'm almost embarrassed for you to say that I am motivating...you have always inspired me!

I weighed myself this morning (meant to yesterday) and am changing my ticker accordingly. I also measured my arms, waist, and hips last night. Yes, I'm getting serious! :yes: I didn't exercise last night but did dig around in the garden and worked up a mild sweat. :)

Better get to work. I hope that you all have a great core day!

Melissa, you are motivating, especially in the last week! Hey...you should give yourself some credit in your exercise ticker for your gardening.

I'm going to try to count points for my meal plan today and then I'm going to walk on the treadmill today. I'd like to get off this gain before I go back to WW next Monday.

Good morning all you eager beavers. It's so good to hear the positive vibes around here. Melissa, you are very inspiring. You're enthusiasm is contageous, you go girl!

We saw DaVinci, and not having read the book, were somewhat confused. I had to call sis in Toronto to find out what was happening. She had read the book and was disappointed with the movie. She complained that it went too fast. It was almost like a chase movie with lots of characters. Don't get me wrong, we found it okay, but it missed something. I don't want to give anything away.

We went for a wonderful walk along the Jock River in Stonebridge (for Frouf). It's like being at the cottage and was nice until the bugs came out. We were there for about an hour, so I was happy. We then went to a pool in Manothick and got their schedule. You can buy 8 passes (4 entries for Bern and I) for $55.00. I think that we're going to try it. You can join for $350.00 a season, but they were sold out this year and are only allowing visitor passes. I just love being close to water for occasional dips. Vickie, didn't know that you have a pool, you lucky girl!

Also stopped at nursery. My annuals are gazinias?? I'm really pleased with the look.

Okay, time to get ready for massage, bbl to see what's happening.:)

Vicki, wow, now that is expensive. You must have a huge roof. I think I know the shingles you got and they are real nice. Glad to hear you are feeling better today. It is not nice to feel down.

Yes, I am a night hawk, I love the evenings. You don't have to make meals (which I hate doing anymore) also the evening is so quiet and for some reason I am energized :carrot: Well not quite that much.

Froufie, the picture did show up after all, now I have to go look and find your dd. They are amazing aren't they?
Sorry the glazing was not the thing to do right now. (I sound like I know what I am talking about but I have no idea what glazing is) :chin:

Saundra, I did not go to see Da Vinci, you think I would when we are taking a study course in it but for some reason I have not had the interest. I guess I heard too many people say they did not care for it. I probably will go before the summer is up.

Sandra so what is new today in your life :dust:
You have done so well keep it up. I am trying real hard also.

Well I have numerous letters to read and answer so I will bid you all goodbye.
Blue Skies,
Rose

Good morning! It sounds like everybody's doing so good today -- I'm happy that we're all happy!!

I made my fairy delivery this morning and have tomorrow's planned; then I suppose that's all because they're inducing her on Thursday. We'll go over either Sunday or Monday and take dinner, and I'll tell her at that time that it was me. She's going to be shocked because her husband told me yesterday she's convinced it's the neighbor. :lol: PUNK'D!

Vickie, I hope you don't think that I'm being critical of your counting or not counting, portions, etc. I am SO not! I'm as puzzled as you because of all of us, you're the one who sticks strictly to the plan. I hope it turns around quickly and was relieved to see that you reported a little drop this morning. And I'm glad to see you say that it's all relative, because sometimes I feel bad complaining about 5 pounds. To me, it's 5 pounds more than I want to be so it's unacceptable. I am holding off going back to meetings (of course, I'm still paying for them!) until I'm at least where I was when I first weighed in. That might be the wrong approach but so far, it hasn't really been planned -- just convenient coincidence that I couldn't go. And even tomorrow, the Air Force is here and we're having a lunch, so I probably can't go then either. Last week I wasn't here at noon when the meetings are.

So anyway, I'm going to read some more but I wanted to make sure you knew I am definitely on your side and don't want you to think otherwise! :hug:

Morning all...first day of summer vacation here. It's going well...we got all our jobs done, I went to weigh in (more on that later), and then off to the little local farm animal zoo. Turns out they are doing little make and take crafts every morning there this week, and scavenger hunts in the afternoon. Fun! Anyway, the girls enjoyed it, although their favorite thing to see was several ducks fighting over a dead frog. :p Eww!

At weigh-in, I was a little shocked. I have been weighing myself at home, nekkid before breakfast, so I knew it was going to be up, but not THAT much up. It was 132.2. Eeek! My "goal" is 131, so I really need to shape up, and soon. I think my birthday threw me off the wagon again. I feel like a broken record, climbing back on yet again, but what else can I do?

Time to go get lunch for the kiddos.

Angela

Life gets in the way sometimes, doesn't it? I'm sure you'll be right back where you want to be in no time flat. It's such an important lesson to learn, for me anyway, that maintenance is as hard (maybe harder?) than losing! I have people at work asking why am I still eating FF this and FF that, and watching calories, and counting points, and I tell them because if I don't, I am in danger of regaining it all.

I forgot to answer Vickie's question about what we had for dinner last night. I think it's partly the reason I'm also up a pound or so this morning. We went to the Chinese buffet and I had a very large plate. It was things like green beans and garlic shrimp and a teeny bit of fried rice, but then there was the sweet and sour chicken (fried) and orange chicken (also fried and drenched in sauce) ... so I might as well have just eaten right out of the salt shaker. The doctor mentioned yesterday that I might be retaining some water in those damaged tendons and so I think when I go to the regular doctor again, I might ask for my BP medicine to be changed to something with HCTZ in it. Meanwhile I'll just up my water intake even more to keep things flushed.

Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your insurance coverage) we live in an area where hail is common, so every few years the roofs around here are damaged and insurance pays to replace the roof. All we have is our deductible ... last time I think we paid maybe $1500?

Melissa, count that gardening, girl! I think anything that makes you sweat is definitely a form of exercise! Measuring yourself is a great idea too, because sometimes when the scale doesn't move our bodies are still reshaping.

Good luck at the lunch today, Frouf. I know how hard it is to behave at places like that ... just drink a lot of water!

They ordered in lunch (Red, Hot & Blue BBQ) and it just arrived. Imagine how it smells in here right now! Of course there is not one iota on that table that would be wise for me to eat except for the turkey, but I'm having turkey tonight. I'd better go get my FF cottage cheese and peaches out before I'm tempted.

Happy afternoon!

Angela, aren't we ALL just broken little records?! I can't think of a bunch of better women to climb back on the wagon with. It is SO good that being 132.2 makes you say EEK!!! I'm sure you remember a day where you might have not been upset or surprised until you had 20 pounds to lose. So what I'm trying to say is congratulations. It seems like maintenance is working for you!

Kathy, I don't think you are being critical and I APPRECIATE the suggestions. What you hear in my "voice" is frustration and fear. I'm also still very hormonal. I never got my TOM in May and I suspect the beginning of the end is starting. It's doing ALL kinds of weird things to my body and I'm not sure that I'm coping well. I'm trying to do this naturally. Sigh! I do believe everything is relative and I do know how hard you are struggling with the last of your weight. I do feel embarassed sometimes though. I've 120 pounds to lose and many people expect that someone with that much to lose should be losing regularly. I'm trying to shake up as many things as I can. I'm even trying to vary my foods to see if that will help.

Speaking of food, darnit, I'm past hungry which isn't good. I'm gonna go cook my omelet now and try to figure up my points for the day BEFORE I eat them like you are supposed to!

Wow, I feel the frustration! Hang in, it will happen.

During massage we started talking about food, and low and behold, this sweet young thing eats mainly core, but for here its just plain healthy living. We have something good here, and it will work. :)

New cleaning lady should be arriving soon. My previous lady brough her own supplies, so I hope I have everything. Since I'm a bit of a junky on new products, I should be okay. I'll report back when house is clean.:dizzy:

Sorry to vent but I feel like I'm about to crack today. I feel like if anyone says anything cross to me I will just blow up. A client just tried to push my buttons too and I snapped at her. I'm so sick of this job, I just want to cry. I don't know why I'm here and why I can't get out. I need good thoughts and prayers ladies. I don't know if I'm going to get through the day without a major meltdown!!
Sorry, needed to get that off of my chest.

Oh, Melissa, I sure wish there was something I could do to help you. You really sound like you are the end of your rope. Have you thought about making working the the Federal Government? Sorry if I asked you this before. They pay great money and have wonderful benefits. They advertise all their jobs on USAJOBS.com. There are 45 jobs in KY right now but I don't know what's close to you. http://tinyurl.com/rv6wu. The Government would be delighted to get an energetic, reliable young person like you to work for them. I'm sure you'd be a viable candidate, especially with your education.

I see there are two Health Assistants at the VA in Lexington. I'm sure you could qualify for the GS-6. I'm not sure how much graduate level work you have done. Between your current experience and your education, you might also qualify for the GS-9. There's great health, life, LTC, and vacation benefits.