Hmmm....I need to find something non-food that tantalizes me. Maybe some of my fancy hand cream? Maybe a piece of Urtrasuede? Maybe a bouquet from the garden?

Yesterday was hectic with all the construction fuss and guys in and out of the house all day. Most of them stated their pie preference so I guess I must do some baking later this week. My garden is gone and there is a mega hole in the side lawn so it all looks very sad out there. They managed to cut the electric cable to the pump in the back garden - my fault because I forgot to tell them about it - so there is no water out there for my transplants. Good thing I have lots of hoses. The building inspector has one concern about footings which we'll deal with today. The septic system tests OK and just needs the stamp of approval from the Township. Whew! That saves me $20K!

Although I miss my dogs much more than I thought, I am so glad I sent them to the kennel this week. It is so strange to come downstairs in the morning and not be greeted with happy woofs and wags. However, aside from the construction noise and traffic, the dog fence is down at the moment so they would have to be tied outside which they would absolutely hate.

On with the day! What's tantalizing - and on programme! Maybe coffee with SF syrup?

Good morning!

Just a quickie from me today. I have to take my laptop in for repairing and am using my veeeerrrrrryyyyy slllllooooowwwww desktop for now. And the upstairs room that it's in isn't air-conditioned, so it's hot in here!

I get to start my Tantalizing Tuesday at the GYN for my annual physical. But at least it's scheduled for first thing in the morning, then I can get on with more pleasant things. The girls are at day camp all week, so it's pretty quiet and lonely out at their farm. I've been keeping busy going through their rooms and the playroom, and I have several huge boxes of stuff for Goodwill. It's so much easier to do it while they're gone.

What a relief to find you won't need to replace your septic system, Ruth! I'm trying to imagine your yard without that beautiful perrenial bed in front, but it will be fun relandscaping once the construction is finished.

I probably won't be in much until I get my laptop back, which, hopefully, will be only an overnight thing.

Ruth, buying a fun non food treat is just plain great!
I just bought myself my birthday present (really early one). It's a fat melter for those little pockets that exercise just isn't getting. Will let ya'll know how it works if it ever gets here!
Glad you are saving that septic money! ouch, that would hurt! I know your pups miss you too, but they would probably be going nuts with so much going on around the house.

Speaking of treating oneself, I went to get some Ezekial bread at our local organic store (the only place in town that sells it) and their freezers had broken down, so no bread. But, I of course found all kinds of other goodies and went kind of crazy. One was "chips" made of spirulina..they are yummy. Also got some "Bobbi's" roasted tomato humas (best humas I've ever tasted) But The "big" thing was some "Amazing Grass Green Superfood" to add to my evening smoothie. Wow. I see they also have chocolate which I will pick up next time I go there.

Nothing much happening here today, just working around the house and in the gardens after the gym if the rain lets up. (loving the rain, so not complaining!)

Cottage, we were posting at the same time. Hope your gyn trip is over soon so you can have a fun day...and hope the magazines are good ones while you wait!

Good morning It's not raining today!

Ruth - So the workers don't fit the topic? Good news on the septic. Hope they are done soon and the doggage return home.

Cottage - I was just thinking about you this morning and figuring it must be the computer Tell them to get on it right away because you are missed here!

Cat - That sounds like a fun store I've just about given up finding chips that don't have a potato starch, corn or white rice base. Thank goodness for chickpea crunchies!

It's a meeting week so today I head up north, 4 hours driving, for a 2 hour meeting. I get to do it again Thursday. The up side is once I'm home around 2 I'm done for the day. Today will definitely be a walk day

I seem to be going through a metabolism adjustment. I've been eating a few hundred calories more and my weight is adjusting a few lbs lower than it has been. How odd. I'm not complaining, just observing. This whole weight loss and maintenance thing is an ongoing experiment. I can't remember which one of the maintainers refers to maintenance as an experiment of one but it's so true!

Oops, apparently it's cat barf time (he eats too fast some days) - gotta run. Have a good day all

Happy Tuesday!

Ruth, I would have such a hard time with construction workers. "Don't step on that!" "Be careful there!" They would love me!

Cottage, A pap smear is my favorite! Do something good for yourself when it's all over.

Cat, I'm looking for a protein mix to make a smoothie every day for breakfast. Do you have a good one? Sam's had a soy mix with no sugar, but it came in 5 pound bags.

Cyndi, My big, fat Clovis used to throw up on a regular basis. We always said that's how she kept her girlish figure.

Lexxiss, Good Morning! I know you're coming!

Me: If it all works out, I'm going to court this morning to see one of the victims our office helped testify against one of her abusers. There were three abusers, two are already in jail. She was 13 when the abuse happened; now she's 17. She may be the strongest young lady I've ever met.

Today is a long day. Jazzercise after work! We have a new routine to a Michael Jackson song. Fun Fun!

Hope your day is beachy!

LOL Cyndi - in my house, there's always a pile to clean up!! Hmmm...that would be nice to eat a bit more, weigh a bit less. PErhaps wedding nerves?

Ruth - GOod luck with that...must be tough to see everything turned upside down. Before you know it, the pups will be back!

Cottage - hear ya on the slow internet. Didn't bother on our weekend away last weekend...too impatient! Hope your appointment went well.

Cat - sounds like fun with all your finds!! Reminds me there's a farmer's market (with baked goods, etc) today....I'll have to stop by!

Me - yesterday was a good SBD day!! Probably a bit too much nuts (what's new?!?!?), but better than being off plan. I'll have more of my soup today...yum!! Thank goodness my new tech eats like I do...everyone else thinks I'm ca-razy!

Have a great SBD day!!

Chelby - that would be soooo hard to do. There was an article in the paper today of a 73 year old man molesting a young girl. Very angering!!!

Chelby, I use one I get at GNC called Amplifed Wheybolic Extreme 60 (only 2g of sugar). It has 280 calories per serving, BUT a serving is 3 scoops and I only use one scoop, so, not much sugar in that 1/3 of a serving. I have the vanilla, but I think they have chocolate too.
I also put in about a 1/3 of a banana, some frozen fruit and a little yogurt, ice and water and the now the superfood green stuff. I drink them in the evening (we have dinner very early!) to keep me from grazing in the kitchen while we watch TV..they really fill me up. I use a huge pretty wine glass too...makes it swellegant!

Good Morning

Mornin, Ruth. Tantalizing...hmm... always adore getting some new gadget for my kitchen...a set of baby s/s funnels, a little blue basting brush made from silicone-the head pulls off the wooden stick to put in the dishwasher, or a cool mini cutting board. Inexpensive...or not
I also love taking an old favorite recipe and tweaking it to make it SB friendly. Last night it was cinnamon toast; with Ezekial bread, the lightest spread of Smart Balance, a dribble of agave and my pumpkin pie spice. A new amaryllis bulb...a new favorite mug...a new organic spice blend...little wind chime or vase. I'm liking a new milkshake I make but it's definitely a hot weather thing.
Ok, back to reality here. Glad you're project is going well. Have a great day!

Cottage, sorry I missed you. Sounds like a quiet day.

Cyndi, interesting about your metabolism adjustment. Thanks for posting. Cat barf is routine here!

Cat, have a great workout. I'm dying to hear about the fat melter. I use a super green thing in my smoothie. I am a believer in the benefits of spirulina. It gives me a get up and go attitude.

Chelby, Indian Summer is the time in the fall after a big frost where the weather gets warm and wonderful again. We cover our tomatoes at night so we don't lose them but still have crop for 3 or 4 weeks. It's a bittersweet time of year here, because we know what's coming. Dang...I am coming to your Jazzercise sometime. What MJ song? In HS we did a routine to "Dancing Machine:. We thought we were really cool. Glad you have that to counter all your awful court days.

Twynn, Nice that your tech eats SB style. My BF is a tech and taught at our comm. college. She's off to Africa next week to help in a spay/neuter clinic then go on Safari.

Me, raspberries and relaxation...maybe a batch of On the Go Bars using the new cookie cutter set I'm going to get today...Law & Order reruns...biking to take photos of the colorful hollyhocks...finishing some beading. Sometimes I start to feel guilty for being able to do what I want, then I remember the sawmill years and I'm ok.

Had a fat moment yesterday. They took our pic at the brewery. Uck! Just made me feel more motivated. I'm done with depression eating.

Thanks for all your support. Couldn't do it without you all!

Hello ladies. I exercised twice yesterday - a morning walk, and then swimming laps in the evening - go me! AND Phase I AND 1550 calories. I might actually drop some weight this week if I keep this up. I've got a trip in late September and a couple of cute but slightly tight outfits I'm using as motivation. Today, not so much. I'm trying to convince myself to walk before 9AM but procrastinating instead.
Today DD and I have our dental appts, and I've got to get by the creamery for milk on lunch hour. Otherwise, things should be quiet. Hope to get to some cleaning later too.
Debbie, don't feel guilty - I really look forward to the day when my time is my own again. I intend to enjoy it fully!
Chelby, wish I could join you at Jazzercise. That would really motivate me! Well, maybe not the Michael Jackson...
Good morning Tammy!
cyndi, oh I hate cat barf time. Eating more and weighing less is awesome. Of course it may have something to do with you being an exercise machine. Drive safely.
Enjoy the rain cat.
cottage, hope all goes well at the gyno today. I'm embarrassed to admit the last time I had a Pap smear.
Ruth, you live in a funny town. My workmen never mention pie when they show up. Maybe you are famous in your area for your pies? Your septic is good news! Hope the doggage are home soon.

See, now it's 8:30, already getting muggy, and I've got a load of laundry to line, then I've got to start work at 9. Maybe just swimming today. Plus I'm day 3 of Ph1 and I'm feeling sluggish. Procrastination success!

Schmoodle, When you are in Huntsville, you'll be an hour and ten minutes away from my class...

Good morning, ladies!

Ruth: That's great news that the septic system is okay! If it were me, I'd go buy pies for the boys, but I am on P1 and you do have a reputation to maintain! I just hope they pay you back and put on a good shirtless show!

Cottage: I was just thinking this morning that I really need to make my appointment for next month. I do it every year as a birthday present to myself. Plus, that way I never forget! I hope it goes quickly and that you can get on with your day!

Cat: I do my best to stay away from our health food stores as much as possible! They do have so much great stuff, but I could easily blow our grocery budget in one trip. I had to laugh at the term "swellegant"! I'm stealing that one! Hope you have a wonderful day!!!

Cyndi: What a great metabolism adjustment to be going through! I agree with Twynn, maybe it's wedding jitters! I don't envy you 8 hours in the car this week, but it's great that you'll be done by 2; there's always a silver lining!

Chelby: Wow, I really hope that everything goes well in court today. It would be hard for me to sit in on something like that. Every time you talk about Jazzercise, it makes me really wish we had an instructor nearby!

Twynn: Isn't it great to have understanding from someone at work?! I wish one of my girls would try this with me. They've all been asking more questions, so maybe one day I'll be able to share the SB WOE with them. I hope you have a great day!

Lexxiss: I hated getting my picture taken up until a few months ago. There's one from Thanksgiving two years ago that's just hideous, but it's still up on the wall. I actually had a coffee mug made out of it as well. It's a good motivator to see and it's a part of my personal history, so as much as I hate the way I look, I still cherish them. I'm going to make goal, and even then, that picture will be up! Sounds like you have a great day planned; enjoy!

Schmoodle: Congrats on a spectacular day yesterday! I've got some winter clothes hanging in my closet that I haven't been able to wear in a while. This year will be the year! It's great motivation!


Me: Successful day 1 for me yesterday. I probably ate too much, but was able to limit my nuts to 1 serving. I didn't work out yesterday, but I'm okay with that. I'll get back to it today. I was a bit fuzzy-headed last night and just wanted to nap. Today's a new day and I'm feeling pretty good right now, so I hope that lasts all day! When I do work out, I'm just planning on going on a nice, long walk.

I've got staff meeting at work this morning, and there's a lot to discuss, so it'll take a while. I also have jury duty at 10. I'm taking a book with me to read, just in case, but usually everyone who isn't selected gets to leave within 20 minutes. If you're selected, you get a short recess to notify work/family/etc. and then it's right on into the case. Got to love small-town living!!! My sister had jury duty in San Antonio last week and she waited for 6 hours to be told that they had already selected the jury and that they wouldn't even get to her number!!!

Okay, makeup's on, hair's done, but I still seem to be in my bathrobe, so I guess it's off to get dressed! (Although, showing up to jury duty in my bathrobe would probably significantly decrease my chances of being selected!!)

Chelby, hmmm, I'm there Sunday through Thursday and my nights should be pretty free. When are your classes?

Got any ideas of fun stuff to do in Huntsville? I've been there a few times, but usually without much down time and I don't know much there outside of the Space and Rocket Ctr, shopping mall, Redstone Arsenal, and the airport. I've got a feeling there isn't much else, but maybe I'm missing something.

Are you only an hour away? You know Tina (PHinsUP) from this board is only an hour from Huntsville too, but I don't know in what direction.

Hi Kim! I think the bathrobe is an excellent idea!

Good morning

Ruth - all the mess will be so worthwhile in the end.
Cottage - enjoy your quiet time.
Femme - rain is not a good thing here. Enjoy your garden.
Lexxis - you sure sound like you have a full day. What kind of beading do you do. I bead also but mostly with seedbeads. My favourite beading is around a cabacon with seed beads.
Schmoodles - you are motivated and those clothes will fit for your trip.
Twynn - nice to have some support at work.
Chelby - sounds like you are going to have such a hard day. Hope everything goes o.k.
Kim - glad you remembered not to go to work in your bathrobe. You are so back on track.

me - hoping that the thunderstorms don't come this afternoon. Its really very depressing with all the rains we have had but then its not hurricanes or tornadoes. Had an emergency yesterday - this women broke a borrowed double string of pearls and someone suggested that I can restring them. Of course, I didn't have the right thread or french wire so off to a store which is 45 minutes away from me, so I am working on that today. She will pay what I asked so I am a happy customer. Have to finish it by Friday.
take care
Sophie

You have made my day, I've never heard it put so well! I now have a chance for success today! Enjoy your swimming.

Chelby, I think you should have a Jazzercise workshop. We'll all come and exercise and eat SBfor a week.

Sophie, thanks for asking. My beading is very basic. Right now I'm making a charm bracelet recycled from an old necklace. I'll take a picture. My skills are basic. I'm going to take a class while DH is in Alaska per your suggestion last week. Drive safe.

Kim, keep up the good work! The bathrobe idea is great. Last week I was wearing a dress out in my garden. I was running late so I didn't change before I went to the pool. When I got there I found I had my nightie on underneath. One thing I am grateful for today; that yesterdays photo is not on a coffee mug!

ETA-Phone call, road trip, kitchen & bead stores, lunch, Costco, farmers market, fruit stands ahhh...Procrastination Success!! See ya'll later!

Hey, everyone! Just checking in. Sitting at my desk eating a HUGE salad with lots of protein since I'm still going through jury selection. I have to head back across the street at 1:30. (My office is in an extension of the county, so it's right across the street from the main courthouse.) I have a feeling I'll be there all day and maybe even tomorrow. The best thing I could think to pack were almonds since they don't need refrigeration. I did throw some chopped veggies in the office fridge so that if we get a recess I can run in and grab them.

Okay! Off to check the in-box before I get swamped with papers!


ETA: Free at last, free at last!! I got out of jury duty. Although, I was kind of hoping to be selected, just to be a bigger part of the process. I was eliminated by virtue of the side of the room I was sitting on. A much higher proportion of the people on my side of the room were friends/coworkers/babysitters/cousins/customers and etc. of either one or both of the two parties, so the lawyers all but exempted our side from serving. (Ah, the joys of small-town living.) Only one of the 12 were picked from our side of the room. Okay. I'd better get back to work!