Aye yie yie...where do I start???

First of all, Good morning!!

Lane is watching Dora on Nick Jr., and I just heard a pleasantly surprising commercial (sponsored by Nick). It said that too much sugar is not good for anyone. It said that sugar is tricky and you have to know how to read ingredients because it can sneak into ketchup and juices and other foods. They said to look for stuff such as sucrose, maltose, dextrose, glucose, etc....It said look for the words that end in ose, which rhymes with gross! This was a commercial geared toward children, and was so nice to hear that someone is getting a clue!

I have made a decision...I only drink 3-4 diet sodas a week, but I think that is probably 3-4 too many. I don't let my kids drink soda, and I am setting a poor example by drinking it myself. Britt will have a Dr. Pepper if she is at a party or something, or she will order a Shirley Temple if we go out to dinner (once in a blue moon). I have only a few left, and when they are gone, I am not going to buy anymore. THERE IS 0 NUTRITION in a soda, and the carbonation is not good for us either. Plus, with the diet sodas, I'm drinking the artificial sweeteners, which I want to get away from altogether.

I was at 121#'s today, and am glad it's not worse. I allowed myself to get way too hungry yesterday, and didn't eat lunch until after 3 p.m. and totally splurged. I went to Taco Bell and had a Mexican pizza and a shredded chicken soft taco. I oinked it down in record time too. I ate BF, and a snack and planned to grab a nutritious lunch on my way to pick up Britt from school, but the doctor's appt. went way toooo long.

Anyhow, I dropped Lane off at her dad's work around 11:30, and then went to my 12:30 dr. appt. (they asked me to be there are 12:20). Well, their new computer system had been down, and they apparently had double-booked some people and couldn't confirm anything because they have been working on getting this new system in for 2-3 weeks now. The waiting room was packed, and I didn't get in to see the doctor until 1:30 (an hour past my appt. time). Once I got in to see her, I felt so much better though. She is fantastic, and I really enjoyed her. She is probably close to my age (mid-late 30's), and was so understanding and compassionate, and very thorough!

She did a urinalysis, pap smear, something called a wet smear (?), an endometrial biopsy (which was pretty painful), a blood draw to check my thyroid, and hormone levels. I will go back in two weeks to go over all these results, and at this time, she will also do an ultrasound.

BUT GET THIS.....I have lost all respect for my PRIOR ob/gyn. The cystocele (bladder prolapse) that I have comes in 4 stages (1 being the least problematic and 4 being the most severe). I have a Stage 1 cystocele, and he was willing to go in and do a partial hysterectomy and try to tack my bladder back up when it really isn't to the point of needing that yet. This doctor said she will keep an eye on it annually and we will see if it progresses or not. Now, if they find something in all these tests that warrants a hysterectomy then I will have to consider that at the time. BUT, my other doctor was too lazy or uninterested in finding out what the cause of the bleeding was that he just figured a hysterectomy would solve all those problems.

So, anyway, I got out of there about 2:20, and had to go by and p/u Lane from dad's work and get to Britt's school (on the other side of town) by 3:00. I got to Britt's school about 5 minutes late. There is a Taco Bell right on the corner, so I stopped there after picking her up and scarfed down some lunch. I've done better today with my eating.

Fillise: Congrats on the 8.5#'s. Keep up the great work.

Monet: I like salads too. Tonight, I am going to make French Onion soup (not legal, I know), and a large Tuna Salad w/ lemon pepper tuna, avocados, tomatoes, etc... Now that Heart has also requested you to post the chile relleno casserole, you'll have to do it when you have some time; it sounds yummy! I think the pain is too high up to be my ovary; we'll see. Sorry to hear about all the car problems; sounds like a big hassle to me.

Gator: Thanks for the kind words; I think I am now in capable hands, and s/b able to find out what is going on. Good job passing on that shake (oooops, I said it). You s/b proud when you pass up on a temptation like that. I haven't been so good; I'm glad those choc. chip cookies are finally all gone (ha).

Ken: Thanks for the kind words; I hope to find out what is going on soon. Being full on the right foods isn't so bad. It's easy to fill stuffed when you are preg., even when you don't eat too much. Did I ask if you are going to find out the gender of teh baby?

Teensy: I am sure the pups loved getting out for a walk.

Cindy: With a schedule like that, we are luck to even see you at all. So sorry to hear about your dad; do they know what may have caused an illness like that?

Heart: Good to see you. You must retain a ton of water; I can't remember a time that I fluctuated 8 pounds in only a few days. I glad you enjoyed the party, but are now back on track. Happy Birthday to Boogie; I know every year is a true celebration!! My friend's (Elaine) daughter got her new heart; she is already 6 months old, but it has been such a tough go from day one. She got her heart at only 3-4 months old, but her body rejected it for awhile, and she developed a lot of problems. She seemed to be doing well, but she now has a really terrible cold that put her back in the hospital. It is heart-breaking to see all that she has been through already. What did the dr's do to correct the cyst problems you were having with your ovaries?

Tech: Did you get lots of chew toys & bones for Junior? Congratulations on the newest member of the family...enjoy him. We can't wait to see pictures.

Jack: Glad you are below 170. Sometimes it takes that scale awhile to realize your efforts.

Country: Glad the scale is your friend this week...way to go. Enjoy the dollar store; I'd be lost in there all day. My husband laughs at me when I go to our local 99 cent store. He doesn't understand how I can spend $40-50 in there (ha).

Well, that is enough of a novel for me; I better go get some stuff done.

Have a great, OP day!

Take care,
Nat

TECH: No fair! The first time you post a picture of yourself and you have on sunglasses and have a huge dog in your arms! I mean, the kids are great, the dog is cute, but can we see a decent picture of you? :)

PANCHO: I had an endometrial biopsy before my hyst, and they warned me it would hurt, but it did not bother me! Weird huh? I felt a bit crampy afterwards, but not during. It showed polyps, which was a confirmation on the hyst decision according to the doctor. Sometimes I wish I had not had it done though, so I am glad you have found a doctor you like who is more thorough than the old one.

JACK: Let me know if you like the country fried steak!

HEART: I will post the chili relleno recipe! I will try to do that tonight. It was easy and very good. Happy Birthday to Boogie! :balloons: Got any big plans for your birthday?

COUNTRY: :cheer: Congrats on being down! How I would LOVE to see that number!

I know I am missing people...forgive me. I am on marathon today to get as much done as I can. I have been to Publix, Party City and Costco. I called to change my credit card number, not realizing they would do it immediately, so I am in trouble now! I need to run to the church office and get them to cut me a check, then I need to run to the bank. What a day! Thankfully, Laura doesn't work, but I do have a meeting here tonight. :) And of course, I am cooking everyone dinner.....

Tech--There was an article in the student newspaper at the university here that had an article mentioning that women who didn't wear makeup often are more confident than women who do. They don't feel like they need to wear make-up to get approval from others. So, thought you'd be interested in that. Of course, this is not a hard and fast rule. For example, I wear make-up just because I like how I look in it, and I think I am extremely confident. In fact so confident that it intimidates some people. :)

Monet--Yep, I saw that display of granola in Costco. They had the people there from Maine or wherever the place is that they make it. I had a sample in one of those little paper cups, and agree it was yummy. Granola and I don't mix because I can eat it ALL in one sitting.

Pancho--I'm so glad you found a good doctor. I had a gyn one time that told me (when I mentioned some minor problem with my monthly period) that "if it continues to bother you we can just take out the whole shootin' match." I think that men just don't have a clue sometimes, and look at surgery as the best way to get rid of the "problem." I bet they'd think twice if some woman doctor said something like that to them!!! :devil:
I had an endometrial biopsy one time, years ago. They gave me lots of valium--an injection--and it still hurt. My DH had to drive me home. Hope all the tests turn out good and that there is a simple remedy to take care of any problems.

I had my last French class at the university today. Yippee! It takes me about 40 minutes to drive out there. Class today lasted about 20 minutes. What a waste of time and gas. All he did was pronounce some names of wines and have us repeat them, and then he recited one poem from memory. I did get to fill out an evaluation form on him. Steps so far 11700 because I walked to class from off campus. I had a big lunch: BLT on SGWW bread with lo cal mayo, and waldorf salad made with 1/2 apple, 1 orange, some walnuts, a TBS. of cocoanut and some lo cal mayo. It was good. I'll have to have a very light supper. Maybe some stir fried broccoli.

Bye.

Today seems like a blurr to me and time flew by so fast. I managed to get few things done like ironing, laundry, folding clothes etc. I did took a little rest in between too, not bad at all :)

Jess had a little complaints from her teacher today that she did not listen to her repeatedly. I do expect complaints from teachers but hearing them is never easy. I know this is just the beginning as my child is not perfect...LOL. Gosh, being a parent is sure not easy :)

My menu for today :

Breakfast : 1/2 cup of milk, 1 ww waffle, 1 fried egg and 2 small sausages.

Snack : Grapes.

Lunch : Pan-seared basa fish, a veggie casserole with squash, zucchini and tomatoes, and pasta.

Snack : An orange, nuts and 1/2 cup of milk.

Some replies :

GATOR : Hope you feel better today. I am the opposite as when I feel down, I lose my appetite. How about keeping a small piece of rich dark chocolate with you to "lift" you up when you needed something sweet? I saw this show once that the nutritionist asked the lady she was working with to have a small piece of dark rich chocolate to treat her sweet cravings. It worked wonders for her. If you are at home, you can certainly make your own "creamy drinks" :) Another suggestion would be call a friend when you are "down" as this will take your attention away.

TEENSY : Hope your dr's appointment goes well.

CINDY : Wow...your schedule sounds crazy. No wonder you are tired, I would be too. I am so sorry to hear that your dad is not getting any better. I will continue to pray for him. I love your menu, you are such creative cook :)

MONET : I am sorry that Laura's car trouble is still there. Hope all goes smoothly from now on. I love Country Fried Steak and have made it once a long time ago. Yum...I love your recipe :) I love mango too and do indulge in some ocassionally. I tried to find some not too ripe ones which have less sugar. My mom used to pickle green mango with sugar and red pepper and it was sooo yummy. Crunchy, spicy sour and sweet at the same time. Those were the old days...sighh :( I have yet to visit Costco but will soon do so with my neighbor. I am looking forward to see what they have got. I would love to get some asian veggies if they have.

HEART : Happy Belated Birthday to Boogie as well. Glad the scale is back down now :)

TECH : Junior sure looks big and cute! Glad to hear your family is enjoying his company. You look beautiful....awwww!! Thanks for the pics.

JACK : You said no to "Boston Creme Pie"???? You have my admiration as it is one of my fav pie :) Yum!!! Congrats on losing the 1 lb, I know you will reach your goal as you have such great strength. Thanks for your info about the new products on market. I will check out the ww dinner roll. Thanks again!

FILLISE : It is a nice day here too, good day to you.

COUNTRY : Congrats on your weight loss. What a wonderful job!! Hope you didn't bring back the whole Dollar store with you....lol. Find any good bargains??

PANCHO : I am so happy that your appointment was a positive one. it is so important for us to have a good dr who really cares. I am so glad I changed to my new OBGYN because I managed to skip the blood sugar test which I didn't need at all. I am glad they listened to me instead of just doing everything standard like what my old OBGYN was doing. My family dr is also so awesome, he always make me feel so good that I asked him questions, no matter how stupid they are. I spoke to him over the phone more than his nurses what a gem he is! Hope your results come back good. My ultrasound is tomorrow and I believe that is the one that allows me to find out the gender of the baby. I am leaning more towards finding out the gender of the baby this time while dh doesn't care whether we do. We didn't find out the gender on our first pregnancy as we wanted the surprise all the way to the delivery room...lol. It was sure a surprise as I thought Jess was a boy because everyone told me so...lol. Anyway, if we find out, I will definitely let you all know. I am more nervous about finding out how the baby is doing like any birth defects etc. Hope all goes well tomorrow.

That's all for now. I need to get some snack now and then take dd outside to play in the dirt. Will check in later.

Julia

well... devon had his last soccer practise today, and saturday is his game....he brought home a brochure for soccer camp and id really like for him to go but it costs over $200!!!! *sigh* he understands that we cant afford to send him to things like that but it just kills me that money is so tight right now :cry:


i had a fun trip at walmart today though...got some material to make my new tablecloth :) and some vinyl too so i can wipe it off lol.....pulled out my patter to make some matching placemats and FINALLY got the sunflower contact paper so that i can decorate my cabinet doors!!! im getting ready for the end of the semester and the begining of finally getting my kitchen all decorated hehe

Cindy: im sorry they is no cure....i guess all we can hope for is that everyone is able to enjoy the time he has left, and when his time is up he is able to go peacefully. you will be in my prayers, i hope you and your family can come out of this ok

Crystle: I WANNA GO TO THE DOLLAR STORE TOO!!!!!! (think your mamma can front me some money for it?) :rofl:

Nat: im sooooo happy to hear that your second doctor acctually knows what their talking about!!! trust me, hysterectomies are NO fun!!! and on top of it you gain weight so much easier :(

Tech: omg he's HUGE!!!!! lol...and your kids are just absolutely doll babies :D
and you my lady, don't need to wear any makeup because you are absolutely gorgeous!!! :D

well thats about it for now....got one more math homework to finish up with, a discussion board posting to do and dinner to cook in the next hour before i have to get kevin from work....then ill have the rest of the night off and who knows, i might even be able to start on my new tablecloth :)

[i]In the year 2005, the Lord came to Noah, who was now living in the United States and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard....but no Ark.

"Noah", He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?."

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah. "But things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations.

We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go!

When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confinded space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many monorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.

Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience. To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark.

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.

Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean, You're not going to destroy the world?."

"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it."/i]

Hello everyone. One more day to go..whew. I felt a bit better today getting up so early and working a long day. Heading to bed here early again so Im going to type quick :) Hope everyones week is going well.

Monet- Hope the car gets fixed soon for you. My protein shakes are with water no milk. I really dont eat all that much cheese. When I use swiss in my roll ups its the presliced kind thats a very thin slice and I only use one. I cut it in 4 small strips and use one strip with one slice of thin turkey breast.
Im so tired messing with my menus to figure out the right combo. I think Im just gonna kick back a while and not worry about it. I feel like I try so hard and daily I really do good eating wise and exercise wise . Ive upped my calories , Ive lowered my calories, upped my carbs, lowered my carbs, added this, taken out that... etc. And I am just stuck. I even stopped lifting weights for a month hoping that would help the scale move but it hasnt helped. Im just swinging between the same few pounds up and down. So I am just going to relax about it for a while and not nit pick at myself so much.

Jack-k- congrats on your loss !!

Pancho- your new dr sounds very good. No reason to have a hysterectomy if you dont have to ! The dr thinks my dads condition might have been caused by different bouts of pnoumnia over his life time. He said everytime you have it it leaves scarring in your lungs.

well Ive run out of time. Hope to get more in maybe tomorrow or the next day. Thank you so much for all the prayers and blessings for my dad. It means alot !

GOOD EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!!!


BAD BOB FOR NOT GETTING ON THE BOARD LAST NIGHT!!!! I'm the one who pushed for the BIRTHDAY TAG ....I was the
FIRST BIRTHDAY, and then, I DON'T SHOW UP!!!

I actually did what I wanted to do for once......NADA!!!

I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOUR BEST WISHES, AND THE ONLY REGRET THAT I HAVE IS THAT WE ALL COULDN'T HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR "MONET" TO COOK US UP A GOOD SUPPER!!!

I watched movies, ate, watched movies, ate.....you get the pitcure.....

My bad news present that I got yesterday was....I went to Pain Management for a 9a.m. appointment, and didnt get out of there until almost noon! While there, I learned that while I can have one more series of injections for my shoulder/arm/hand.....the discs have herniated even more and are pressng on the cord . What does that mean???? SURGERY!!!! Which is what I've been trying to avoid!! The herniation can only get worse, so I really have no other choice! The injections (if they work,can last one day....six months....or not all!

He put me back on the NORCO 10 which is the strongest of the pain meds. His reasoning for this...I was ingesting more tylenol effecting my kidneys and liver. So I'm staggering around here at night, thankful that I don't need or have to go anywhere in the car

BUT....after that ews, my afternoon and evening went really well!

It's late, I'e got to climb up in the 4 poster and watch EXTREME MAKEOVER!

Sorry I'm not doing replies, but PLEASE KNOW I LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU ANd I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT....BUT DANGIT...I HAD TO GET ON THE SCALE YESTERDAY AND I'L GAINED 15LBS SINCE SEPTEMBER!!! SO IT'S BACK ON MY GRILLED CHICKEN AND FRESH GREEN BEANS.....IT WORKS FOR ME..No red meat, but a lot of fish!!!!

Well, I've rattled enough....and it's up in the bed I go!

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR FRIENDSHIP!!! I'LL TALK TO Y'ALL TOMORROW....


BOB :grouphug:

Whew! The meeting is over and everyone went home. Tom and Laura left almost two hours ago to get the Honda to the carburetor place...I hope they are successful! They may have stopped off for a beer or something to celebrate!

Dinner tonight was chicken in homemade teriyaki sauce, stir fried veggies, and Forbidden rice. It is a whole grain variety that is black, and was only served to the emperors of China for years and years and years. Its cool...it is honestly black! Yummy too!

BOB: I am sorry about the possibility of surgery. I am also sorry everyone could not come over and have dinner at my house. Any time you want to come for dinner, just let me know! I will fix you whatever you want! :)

CINDY: Boy, can I relate to the tinkering with the menu stuff. I am the same way. I did find a good way to lose...don't eat anything but homemade organic lemonade made with maple syrup. :s: Unfortunately, its hard to keep up! I have no idea why my body refuses to give up the fat, but it sure is frustrating!

GATOR: Well, there is another way we are alike...I too could eat the whole thing of granola! I probably won't buy it often. Its just too good.

SEBRAY: I hope you get to work on that tablecloth! Sounds like fun!

KENG: I can't wait to hear what the baby is! Some friends of ours just had an ultrasound the other day, and found out they are having a girl. Their first child, who is 18months, is a boy, so the dad is excited. The mom wanted a boy, because he could play with his big brother, and they fully intend to have four or five kids, so they could have a girl later. The dad said he is going to get pointers from Tom on not getting wrapped around her little finger...ha! Like Tom will be any help! Both our girls are very good at that!

TECH: Thanks for posting the pic! You don't look anything like I imagined you, but then, I am not sure how I imagined you! I think you have a lovely smile, among other features! :)

Ok, I am going to go over to the recipe board and post the chili relleno casserole, and the shrimp in garlic sauce. But here is a great exercise tip:

New Florida Exercise Program

This is for mature people. Younger people try it at their own risk. This is working well for me.


For those of us getting along in years, here is a little secret for building your arm and shoulder muscles. You might want to adopt this three days a week.


Begin by standing straight, with a 5-LB. potato sack in each hand. Extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute. Relax.


After a few weeks, move up to 10-LB. potato sacks, and then 50-LB. potato sacks, and eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-LB. potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight out for more than a full minute.


After you feel confident at that level, start putting a couple of potatoes in the sacks.

well this is just a quick peek in before i have to go to bed...i have to go to court tomorrow to show the judge i finally got my license back :D then i have to pay the $25 fine (which acctually ends up being $200 :( ) then off to aidan's class birthday party at Fun Adventure (knock off of chuckey cheeses) then home agian for the weekend (excpet for devon's soccer practise)

BOB: LOVE the quips :) and im sooo glad you had a good birthday :)

Monet: oh it will be fun to make the table cloth....i cant wait to start on it...but looks like ill have to wait till saturday morning :( *sigh* oh well it'll get done when its supposed to :)

well off to bed ladies :wave: sleep tight!!

Hey, guys. Not much going on. Another OP day is done, the scale was down to 164 this AM. Just 4 or 5 more to go before I'm back to my low. I did have too much salt today, I hope it doesn't show tomorrow. Speaking of makeup, I wear makeup about twice a week, usually when I spend most of the day in town or go to church. I think I look better with it, although I've been told I don't need it. Anyhoo...JACK-K I tried those rolls and mine turned out too hard, maybe I cooked them too long? Did yours? I like soft rolls. PANCHO- Sorry to hear that the baby is having a hard time. We spent alot of time in the hospital with colds and viruses and stuff when Boogie was really little. Then it got better and now, he only has to go to the doc for regular kid's stuff, like getting his immunizations next week. I don't have any plans for my bday tomorrow. For some reason, on a subconscious level, I'm a real B on my bday, never fails, even when I try not to be. I hope things won't be that way tomorrow. Well, I need to go...