Empress! We are on the same path.... I've been denying and ashamed I gained back weight and thought I could just 'disguise' the weight gain until I somehow "quickly' lost it again.....

But reality bit ( luckily I wasnt the one chewing this time) and I HAD to get some decent, well fitting clothes for a 4 day seminar coming up in August.

I planned to shop this weekend and DH met me at the local outlets right after work as he needed a few things too.
The first outlet only had 2 items that fit and looked nice. Everything else I tried on just didnt look right for a professional function, even though its "business casual"....
I was feeling those familiar feelings we all know so well as I left the store with my 2 pieces. ( luckily, they go together).....

DH and I wanted to go to another store but I needed to use the restroom so we had to pass the Dress Barn to get the the restrooms. Ordinarily, I feel that store's quality doesnt match their prices. But today, this store was moving from this location! So, nearly everything was 50 %, many, many items 75% off.... The Woman's side of the store was where we went first.....

The moral of the story is..........I found some great dressy, professional blouses for less than $10 each that fit very well buttoned or open.... in their size 1X (middleaged spread ?)

AND, realized that the smallest Woman's pants are much, much too large.
All though I overuse this word a lot, tonight really was a reality check.

Yes, I've gained back more than I want to know. BUT, not as much as I was afraid.

And instead of looking like I'm hiding behind a black drape, I have a number of pieces that will get me to my new goal.

And this time, its MY GOAL. I'm not adopting someone else's idea.
For me, right now, thats what I need to do.

PS.... I am not weighing myself either although I might measure. Scale is locked up. I used to say I needed to weigh myself everyday. I realize now, that constant, constant focus was putting a lot of stress on myself.

Now, I am going to rely more on how I feel, how the clothes fit and what I look like in a full length mirror.

Believe it or not, I know I lost water weight and bloat this week because, I was able to button up a blouse that wouldn't button last week.....

Thats the other thing, how unfair of menopause that you still get the monthly bloat!!!


*****

I know this has been all meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee this post and I'm sorry but we just got a storm in that just went thru Anagram's kingdom....
I'm taking my crown and finding the royal flashlight. Right after I turn the computer off....

To DAY 1!

Bet you're hot and sticky today too, Kaylets. I do remember your hubby's ordeal that required a good nurse. DS had a similar about that time. But dr. yesterday said I seem to be healing well and get stitches out Thursday.

Glad at least one kitty is intrigued, Empress.

I gained a lot of water this week too. Up something like 3.6 pounds from last week's good news. But I do know this is water (eating out too much) and will go if I don't eat for 3 days.

Strange I was just thinking that we should have a jump start for the slow days of late summer so glad to see you ladies are "on top of it". I'm going on a bus trip (to see the Tut exhibit) on Tuesday and am going to start back in with a vengeance on Wednesday. I had set a goal for my mid Sept b.d. and won't make it at this point unless I go way down on calories for a while.

Have had a very "social" week for a change - I seem to concentrate on different things at different times. Have been quietly picking up the pieces today from a very run-around week. And mostly hiding in the a/c. Will soon have to decide if I'm going to stay in this mode into the evening or if I should clean me up and go out somewhere. Decisions, decisions.

Good rainy morning, Royals! Nice but happily shortlived thunderstorm greeted me first thing. Supposed to be more of them later so I think I'm going to go stroll through Wal Mart befor things get nasty again.

Sorted out a lot yesterday but managed a lot of lazy too. Same plan for today. At least I have to water only a few potted things (under roof) so the rain has taken care of most of one chore.

So off I go - want to beat the crowd so it's an enjoyable trip rather than a zoo. Wouldn't bother but I'm out of Slimfast and need a lot for my jumpstart.

Good Morning all.....

Yes, Anagram, on both weather types.... 100% humidity yesterday ( foggy glasses at every turn) and this morning, thunder storms rolled through.....
So glad to hear you are healing well!
Yes, isn't it interesting how our schedules are either full of outside activities or not...from one week to the next...
And we think we are such creatures of habit!

****
Although we have more family drama to deal with this weekend ( same source,DS) both DH and I are mentally in the am place about the situation.
Due this weekend's findings, the only time DS is allowed in the house is when we are here as well.


In addition, DH and I are both motivated and motivating each other on healthier life style, etc.
In fact, we're very excited that we can jump in to end of of the season as a member of a local organic farmes cooperative. We don't know what we will be getting each week but it will inspire us and be a learning experience too.

DH and I just made a deal with each other, unless the price is unbeatable, or its somethng we can not do without, we are not buying any more clothing.
The idea is that we won't be in our current sizes long enough to justify buying more than what we can get by on.
And I know better this time, buying a smaller size "for later' doesn't work well for me...... Too many times, I never fit in that "smaller size".... I went right by to the "next smallest'.....

BUT, I do need to pay lots and lots of attention to those dressing room mirrors!


***
Empress, how goes your streak? I hope I can take a look at your blog ... I know it'll be inspiring...
I know you love spread sheets and etc. Do you ever use a PDA to record? DH is excited to see the programs for his PDA... but some are not loading easily.


****
WSW-- here's a big Hello and how are you? Sending lots and lots of good thoughts and well wishes your way. Am trusting things are going well in your kingdom. We are keeping your throne warm here till you have chance to visit.

***
WoodNymph--- Often when you share with us about your Reiki meetings and your walks along the water, I picture you and I catch the sense of calmness you are feeling. So why am I not out walking more??



****
Ceara-- Your gardens must be looking fabulous.... I envy you. We didnt do anything for vegetables this year and of course, now, regretting it.
But it's also been very different type of summer here, near drought but not quite... I will enjoy your gardening from by sharing with you!

****
Flower... How goes it? I am hoping to find your blog too. I know how rough it can be to stay on plan when there is lots of stress around you. Your walking is a fantastic idea ... believe it or not, it really is a stress outlet for you.

****

Kat-- Hope things are going well your way.... How is your activity plan working out? I don't know how I 'd figure out a schedule if I worked nights so my hat is off to you!!

well, time to sign off....

BUT....

Did anyone else see the new article about how studies really prove, that when friends lose weight, their other friends lose too....and vice versa.....
In fact, the study shows, friends are better influenced than by family.


I'm glad I have Royal Friends!!!!

Hail, queenly ones! Quick pop in then I really need to catch up on some housework, maybe even make a proper dinner, I haven't done that in a while!

Dad is totally off-the-wall-confused. Medication which helped to calm him less than a week ago, seems to have the opposite effect now. His mind is going a blue streak, he's agitated, he's hallucinating, he's frustrated because he doesn't know what the **** is going on. He's very weak, but somehow manages to get himself up the minute Mom's back is turned, so, of course, he's fallen several times. My poor mother is at her wit's end. It's gotten to the point that my brothers, my sister and I are taking turns spending the night, just so she has help when he needs to get up.

My poor mother has sworn all along that she would not put him in a nursing home, ever, she'd rather take care of him herself. Well, she's at the point that she just can't do that anymore. She spoke with a nurse from Hospice today, who told her about respite care, and that it's time they give that a try. Essentially, he is placed in a nursing home, temporarily, where he's cared for, so as to give my mother a break from this 24/7 treadmill she's on. She'll be able to gather the few wits she has left and be able to resume taking care of him with a clearer head.

So, that's what's happeing there. In the meantime, I picked my son up from camp yesterday, then drove him back up there today. 3 hour drive, each way there and back, but it was worth it...it was so good to see him! (my baby!) There was a tragedy at the camp earlier this week, a 13 yr old camper collapsed, and died. He had a known heart condition, but had been cleared by a doctor to attend camp. From what my son has told me, he wasn't doing anything strenuous, just walking back from breakfast one morning, and just collapsed. So very very sad. Made me hug my boy that much harder, much to his chagrin!

My daughter is now on her way home from sunny CA. Left yesterday...last I heard they were in New Mexico. So I will worry about her, on the road, until she crosses my threshold!

NEEDLESS TO SAY...my eating habits have not been great. Catch as catch can, at best. BUT! I finally replaced the batteries in my scale, determined to face the ugly truth, head on, and was pleasantly surprised to find that I'm up maybe 2 lbs from my last weigh in. Oh, how I smiled and smiled, standing on the scale! Felt positively svelte! (absolutely NO reason to feel that way, other than the fact that I wasn't 10# higher, like I thought I was.)

So, that was some long pop-in. Time for me to pop OUT, now that I took so long typing that essay. Me me me! I haven't even caught up with all of YOU. And I will. After I make dinner.

Have a good evening all!

Hello all...

Katrina, my best to you and your family. This is such a difficult time for all of you. And of course, since you're a medical professional, your understanding of his condition makes it doubly hard for you.
Its wonderful to hear that everyone is pitching in to help. So many times, folks just argue the decisions made. We too tried to honor my MIL's wish as long as we could.
Your mom will know if and when she needs to change her mind.

Glad you were pleased with the scale too. You deserve it!

Kaye

Here we go Monday, Here we go!

( I can't hear you!)

Here we go Monday, Here we go!

(I STILL can't hear you!)


HERE WE GO Monday, here we go!


( Better, but come on, let's do this with FEELING!)


HERE WE GO MONDAY, HERE WE GO!!!!




Condensed version of 1st night with new door locks.....

DH and I went to bed and then spent most of the night, listening for a knock on the door.....
When the alarm rang, we realized we had missed sleep for no reason....

Again, another lesson in realizing that we are putting too much energy into DS's welfare when DS is not putting enough.....

My outlook this am... I am tired, and sorry DH is weary too, he has a golf outing today that will now become a chore instead of a treat....
BUT, I didn't make the choice .... DS made his choice, he knew what our opinion was.....
This morning I am almost guilt free on that subject.....

****

During my trips up and down last night, I did eat one apple.... tha is a plus, some nights, I have 2 or 3......

****


Here we go Monday!

*****

Thought of the day :

"Live every day as if your life and fanny were on fire."



Question of the day :

"How often do you drink tea?"

******

Are you ready?
LET"S GO!

Marvelous Monday, Queenlies.

Dear Kaylets, you should ALWAYS be guilt free in this unfortunate situation. Sounds like you and DH have gone above and beyond.........I can't even imagine how difficult this must be.

Unfortunately, I CAN imagine how difficult all of this is for your family, kat. The respite thing sounds great but not always as easily accomplished. It's not that long since I struggled with the decisions of how to care for DH. I'm not physically recovered yet. But in the back of my mind I knew that if it got impossible I'd have to do what neither of us wanted..........I'm glad now I did all I could and I think you'll all be glad for what you've done but I'm glad you're considering Mom's health too. How difficult.

Where be-eth ceara? I know she'd want to know more about the Empress's new canine friend.

Sort of taking an easy day today so I'll not be too tired for bus trip tomorrow. Slowly easing into the Fresh Start Wednesday too. Trying to recall what was so successful for me five years ago...........

Bad storm last night again, lotsa rain (which was deeply needed) - humid right now but before the storm yesterday it had become quite lovely on the patio. Maybe today too?

Tai chi this afternoon. Pool out for now until neck heals up.

QOD - way too often, I think. I usually have two quite large mugs in the morning. Two regular mugs in the afternoon, evening. Sometimes more. And now I'm enamored of Crystal Lite's peach tea too. But tea is almost my worst vice most days so...........................could be worse.

Fly-by report: I'm as sick as a dog. Got a bit of everything -- cold symptoms, digestive stuff, achy. I'm supposed to go to a sound yoga retreat on the weekend so I hope I'm better. I thought it was a cold at first, which would pretty much guarantee I wouldn't be up to the weekend, but now it's seeming like it must be something else. So maybe... In the meantime, I'm just going to do what I absolutely have to do.

Love to all... I'm thinking of all my beloved Queenies!