Hi all, well the traveling did me in again. Like usual, I got off track - and I'm still off track. I am so happy I don't travel again until February. I just don't do well with it. How Judy does it, I just don't get.

I missed exercising on Friday (thanks dumpy hotel and the rain on Friday Morning). I did get back to walking yesterday and today. food on the other hand is way overboard. Tomorrow I'll be back at work and I'm very good there. So I should be ok.

The Packers won again today. That was great. We went out to the Nat'l Forest (with permit) to cut firewood. My wood stove is great.

And on the way home on Friday evening, we went through snow that was stuck on the ground. Much too early for that nonsense. I love to ski, but not quite yet.

I took my splint off yesterday and it's stiff and a bit sore. But I haven't decided whether or not to go to the dr. on Tuesday. I'll decide Tuesday morning.

Carol, weren't they able to get you back into your original 3FC account??? That's odd that you had to start over.

Well, I'll chat more later.
Marie

Marie I sent messages requested about 4 times just about stood on my head and no response? Oh well thats okay just glad I am up and running.
Fun day with the kids we went to go apple picking and also ended up picking lovely raspberries as well so a few qts. of those are now in the freezer. This winter it will be nice to have them. Got some exercise doing these things. Food intake not bad today the cider was a bit sweet. Decided to make some apple crisp I thought cal wise it was better than pie crust. This I created myself with some oats on top and raisins etc... Still tastes good. Monday starts my charting my intakes and exercise accountability. Take care!

Carol - I'm glad to hear your back and neck are feeling better. You must have found a good chiropractor. I'm going to have to do some pre-planning of food like you are doing. It's too "risky" leaving what I'll be eating to chance!

Marie - I hope you will decide to get your wrist checked out - you don't want to do any permanent damage. I didn't go to the docs when I hurt my foot nearly 10 years ago and I'm still paying for that. Sometimes even bad strains need to have a cast so the ligaments and tendons can grow back properly. It may be worth getting it seen to. I noticed your weather is getting very chilly already - where did the summer go??? It's awful here - pouring rain and it's gotten a lot cooler. The grass is greening up though, so that's good.

We took Mike to the airport to see him off on his way back to Boise today. We had a nice lunch at Stanford's at the airport. I had a very good burger, which took up most of my day's worth of calories. I'm hoping to start eating better on Monday now all the excitement of my trip and Mike's visit are over.
My joints are very sore today. I had hardly any pains of any kind when I was away, even though I did a lot of walking, so I'm trying to figure out if I'm eating differently at home or something. I'm also stuffed up again, where my sinuses were clear over there. Maybe it's just the damp weather and mold spores :?:.

I hope everyone has a good start to the week.

Well its monday the day I am getting my routine back. Sometimes thats just what we need is to preplan and have a routine. Its so easy to fall short of both these things for me. So my new big grill I just purchased is going to pay for itself with making me grill more veggies and lean meats etc. I have to justify it. My old one would cook too fast etc. this one seems to be a very adjustable heat. Allowing me to be more creative with my cooking. Looking forward to trying some new grilling and hoping to use it throughout the winter put it on my deck instead of the garage area less foot steps in the snow. Talking about weather we are to be in the 70's today and 80's by thurs throughout the weekend. I have a wedding on friday for a nice coworker one which wishes I was her mom hah hah! Anyways then off to camping for the last time on saturday morning. So some pretty weather with our trees in colors of reds and golds it will be just beautiful. I packed all my raspberries away in the freezer from yesterdays day trip with the grandkids. I am so lucky that they enjoy the things I do. Well rounded children hopefully a good insurance policy to grow into lovely adults whom are caring of others.

Penny you and I need to work on a plan together and anyone else who would like to join in. I need to decide on scale days. So far I was thinking this week wed. and friday. Also putting my cals on this site either at the end of the day or the next day. I want to do no more than 1500 no less than 1400. Exercise I need to do no less than 3 times a week. This week no problem with kayacing and walking trails etc.. But before camp at least 2 times should be fit in. My goal is to be back to my wt. I was months ago before my exercise got messed up with my back issues. That really sent me a curve ball I think.
Anyone else lets put it down and get moving!!! I am rallying this one! Lets go girls maybe we can add all of our lbs. together by the end of October to see as a group how much power we have? What do you think anyone game???
Marie hope you ck out the wrist problem this week or are you feeling better now? Good luck with that no so much fun I know been there. Whats your weather like? Do your trees change colors to? Up here in the NE it is a special time of year but yah know whats around the corner that white stuff.
Well lunch is packed water too and I am off to work soon.
Judy glad your back in town again you traveling lady!!
Emma hope your doing well.

Carol, I like your new "name"--you've managed to promote one of your favorite activities this way...yes, we have all been very kind with each other as we take one step forward and two steps back. But tough love is good, too! :kickbutt: I got on the scale Sunday morning: 2.5 pounds up, to 223 :(. Not as bad as I'd expected, but not good. My goal is to get to 220 by the end of the week, more if I can. I will be on the road at least half the month, but I know that I can lose while I'm away, so put me down for 8 pounds by the end of October.

Penny, I'm sorry that you're feeling so run down. I hope that your body readjusts soon! The air pressure on long plane flights often wacks out my sinuses. I will be on a proactive dosage of antihistamines for a few weeks. I don't like taking them, but it beats a prolonged sinus infection.

Marie, you must be happy to get rid of that splint! It might make your hubby happy if you plan to see the doctor afterwards, no matter how your wrist feels. You don't want to be kicking yourself next year because of problems that weren't addressed now. I'm sure that's what Brett F would do :D

Speaking of bones, I have three dr's appointments Tuesday AM. One is just so I can get a referral to a podiatrist, but I will beg for a foot xray while I'm there, to speed things along. There's definitely a problem with my left foot. I'm worried that it's a stress fracture, but what can be done about that? :?:

I been back to faithfully logging my food. Today I had Eggbeaters with spinach and a side of lox for b'fast. I've packed a Lean Cuisine and my snacks for today, and will have a big salad with turkey for dinner, a smoothie for dessert. I only had time for 20 minutes of aerobics this morning, but hope to get home in time to plug away on the bike for a while this evening.

Let's all have a great week!

judy

Carol ~ Glad your back! I don't understand why they weren't able to get your old account back, try sending a message to one of the 3FC admins they could be able to get your old account back and reset the password. I usually let the website save it for me. Don't know what I'd do if I ever forget it! I'm game! lets add our lbs at the end of the month and check how much weight we lose. I usually weigh in on Sundays, but willing to switch to any day no probs :)

Marie ~ I hope you decide to go to the dr. today. I really think you should get it checked out but its up to you of course. I also am usually on course on work days because I've got my routine going on and I know what and when to eat etc. weekends are bad. hope everything works out!:hug:

Penny ~ The beginning of a new week is always a good point to check what was going wrong and refocus/re-plan everything. Hope your sinus problem is okay today. it is most likely the damp weather.

Judy ~ sorry to hear about the gain, its a new month so its a fresh start! you're doing good by logging you foods etc, its always helped me out so keep it going :)

Nikkie, Jennelle, Jaya ~ Hope you guys are okay!

I'm starting fresh this month. I've already posted my exercise goals on the 20s thread exercise challenge for this month. I'm also trying to refocus food-wise so I started recording any 'unplanned' food that goes into my mouth :D
I'm aiming for 4-6 lbs this month, not big I know but realistic - to avoid disappointments :)

Hope everyone has a good week, will post later ~ Emma

Okay lets go girls! I didn't realize I had added some extras in to my daily diet til I started to journal again yesterday the cals added up quite quickly. So this is good for me taking a look at my intakes and recording at least for awhile. I attended a nutritional appt. with a client yesterday. The gal said on any one day a ladys hormones and change to a 6lbs. gain without any real reason and then back again etc... Wow I never knew that? I guess guys don't have that problem as much. I don't think I like that one bit. So guess we get short changed once more gals.....
My cals were 1500 only exercise was about 20 min. of walking and stairs. Intake was being careful as the cals added up quickly. Better food choices today. Last night though I wanted some ice cream everyone else had apple crisp and ice cream I had natural vanilla bean in a dixie cup. Small good and when it was gone it was gone but I still had what I wanted and was satisfied. We grilled burgers last night no sides really but I had some veggies for lunch oh a tomatoe slice and onion on that burger with some cheese.

Marie and Judy hope you two are feeling like new soon. I know how it feels and not being up to par is tough it set me back over the past 6 months. Thank goodness I am feeling much better.

Emma you can use the scale what ever day you choose. I choose those days for my own schedule just cause it works for me. We all have to personalize it.

Penny hope your doing well. I need to start my soaps soon. Your orange blossom sounded wonderful. I think I am going to order some goat milk soap base. Do you use that? B------ sounded like they had the best price? Do you know of any others that might be even more reasonable?
Well girls my coworker seems so uptight these days she just goes on and on all day long. Oh why me? Anyways she is so in touch with the girl that left and our old manager which both work at the same job. I think she should go with them cause she sure aint happy here. Oh save me someone!!!!

There, I can post again. Carol reminded me about the login email thing and my email is changed. So I changed it and then it locked me out till I verified the email - and I hadn't gotten the email. But they resent it so now I'm back.

Food has been ok. Not great, but ok. I'm in the 1400 to 1500 cals/day. I'm going to go for a weekly average of the 1400-1500 range. That way special days don't throw me off, just that I need to adjust before or after. So I'm on board.

Yesterday's stats: 1.5 miles briskly on the treadmill and 1560 cals. Today perhaps better??? Stay tuned. :)

The wrist is not / was not broken. I did go. Like usual my bones don't break (I'm not complaining) but the ligaments are mad. Heat, tylenol and no splint to try to rebuild since it's been splinted for 6 weeks. I "know" it's good that it's not broken and the such, but it did reinforce not bothering to go in the future. I'm not sure that's good, but I bet I'll be even more stubborn next time - and I know there will be a next time as I like dangerous activities and I'm clumsy these days. For now, I just really am happy to have the splint off. I can deal with the ache.

Carol, can't you suggest to the co-worker to join them? Why can't she leave with the others??? And the orange blossom soaps Penny made are wonderful. I inhale them every shower and think of Penny. They are delightful!!!!!

Judy, my oh my do I agree about the 2 steps idea. I got back to my lowest weight and then, boom, it's back. No overeating (at that point... :) but that's not the case over the weekend. I know I've tried the not weighing before and failed. But perhaps logging and posting my calories and exercise and weighing once a month? I just don't know. I definitely believe the 6 pound fluctuation theory. Mine's more like 3 pounds, but it's irritating and sabotages me more than it should. My mind knows the truth, but my stomach doesn't. Good luck with ridding the 2 pounds. I need to rid 3 again.

And the @#$@#$@# scale at the dr. office was really mean. Perhaps all the water and winter clothes counted for 6 pounds from the morning weighin but still, that was ridiculous. My scale used to match their scale but they got a new (MEAN) one.

Emma, good luck with the exercise goals. You can do it. I swear the exercise is the only thing keeping me sane at the moment. Between work and the injuries, I'd like to sit in front of the TV and munch, munch and munch. So even if not perfect on the food, the exercise will keep you sane (except when stepping on the scale - a little hissy fit is appropriate).

Penny, our weather stinks (except it's gorgeous today - an anomoly since up to today was icky and tomorrow it returns). Sinus/allergies in Portland are a given. I ALWAYS have problems when I visit. Last week was no exception. Their mold is too high so it's not surprising that your sinuses were happy being away and are mad now that they're back. Not to mention the dampness is probably hard on your joints. You could live here where it's dry but the elevation would get you. :dizzy: Too much to think about. I hope you feel better soon.

Well, DS forgot he was coming out with DGS tonight (I even left work relatively on time for it) and he just called. So now he's not coming. Tomorrow he says. I said, call me in the afternoon as if I'm swamped at work I can't do it. There would be a point where it would be nice if he didn't think the world revolved around his schedule. You know, the one where he's unemployed... Ok that was mean as he's taking care of DGS while almost DIL is student teaching and schooling in the evening. But still, how complicated can his schedule be? I guess I'm a bit ticked off. :)

Since DH is busy, I think I'll work at home for a while. So I'll chat again tomorrow (if possible).
Marie

Hi gals!. So who's gonna keep count of how much we lose this month?

Carol ~ I'll still weigh in on Sunday and report in either the same day or Monday. Burgers sound yummy! Where I work sometimes the whole office wants to quit one day and the next day they're all okay - office mood swings :p

Marie ~ I'm glad your wrist isn't broken! I should start healing slowly now that the splint is off. Ignore the dr's office scales and just go with your own.
Hope you feel better soon :)

Got a whole hour of exercise in yesterday & no cheating! I'm so proud of me :D now if I just can keep this up all month I might reach my goal for this month. I'm planning to exercise again today with or without my exercise buddy - she didn't show up yesterday. I've noticed that when I started including the elliptical trainer into my daily exercise routine I'm noticing that I'm losing more around my hips area which is great, so will try to get 20 mins on the elliptical.

Hope everyone else is doing okay, will post later ~ Emma

Girls I think not having my thyroid meds and blood pressure meds for about 4 days hasn't been so friendly on the scale. I haven't lost an oz. and still up, It doesn't make me too happy thats for sure. But my clothes still seem to fit fine go figure. I guess the rule of how I look and what my scale says is way too different. Guess I am having a melt down here this morning. Oh well had a hard boiled egg for breakfast and one piece of pum. toast with my homemade grape jam on it. Plan on an apple for my 10 snack then salad for lunch. Going to pick up my meds today. Thats a sure thing. Maybe some of this is stress work has been a bit nuts. I booked myself on top of one another yesterday two meeting what was that all about. Oh well everyone was surely worried when I didn't show up thought I had an accident or something. They were just glad once they heard I was okay. Rebooked it and continued my day. Crazy huh? Glad we are going off camping this weekend surely need a good break from it all. I am going to do my best to plan on healthy eating and lots of exercise. Cals yesterday I lost track of during my nonsense day. I will be better today to track and will try to refigure yesterdays as well.
Marie did you get knocked off this site too? What is going on? Maybe thats why I didn't get contacted new email address as well. Lets keep trying hard to get back on track here this up swing is no fun.
Boy wouldn't it be nice if someone else did leave my office sure would make life a bit nicer. The other girl is working on taking all her clients with her I think that is just not nice. Most take some but not this many she has burned herself of ever having a relationship with this company for sure. Guess they really know who the trouble maker was now. If not they are blind.

Emma good job slap me 5 and rub some of that energy on me. I am going to try to stop at the gym today to join.Got the forms yesterday to apply for the payment from the ins. The paper had news yesterday my healthy ins. policy is also trying to get folks to quite smoking, have a wellness program, ck ups etc. and will pay us funds for doing these things coo huh? I am going to take advantage of the wellness I guess its a 15 min. interview on the computer but thats okay then they design me a program of some sore I could sure use that right now. Hah hah!!!!! Take care and boy I need to get my water intake up there too. Take a good looky at what I am or am not doing check time!!

Carol - I know how hard it is to get back into your routine, especially when you are very busy. We just have to make it a top priority. It would be nice if that coworker of yours would just go and join the others who have left.

Judy - I hope your doctor visits went ok and that you don't have a stress fracture in your foot. It must be quite painful. I hope it gets better soon. It must be tough for you traveling so much with your sinus problems. I know my sinuses were clear during my trip to England, so in my case it's probably related to my environment here.

Emma - It sounds like you are doing great - keep up the good work! Some of us need a bit of inspiration right now.

Marie - I'm glad your wrist isn't fractured. Now that you can have a normal range of motion it should start to heal. I'm glad you're enjoying the soaps. A friend of mine wants to get into doing them so she's going to come around with her soap supplies and I'll give her some pointers. That should be fun as she's a really nice person and we don't get together as often as I'd like. I think you're right about mold and Portland! I love living here though, so I can't imagine moving somewhere else because of my allergies and there would be no guarantee that I wouldn't have problems some other place.

I've been soooo busy since I got back dealing with my overflowing "in tray". Now that I've got a handle on it I feel better. I hate having stacks of stuff that need attention. Yesterday I had a long meeting with my ladies group. We're organizing our annual bazaar and tea next month where we serve 450 - 550 sit-down teas and have our big crafts and "attic treasures" bazaar. It's lots of work, but for a good cause. I'm going to be making some soaps and also filling teacups & saucers with some British mini-candy bars that I brought back with me. These were popular last year. Yesterday was the first day I didn't go overboard with calories. My eating has been out of control since I got back as I got used to eating all the wrong things. Now I have to 're-train' myself to eat healthy. I've started working out again at Curves and that feels good.

Wow, although the weather is in the upper 70s or even 80, it suddenly feels like fall. It's dark before I get home from work, and a little crisp when I wake up. So I'm beginning to want hot food for lunch instead of my default salads. I have a couple of Lean Cuisines and veggie burgers in the office freezer so I'll always have healthy options for days that I don't have time to pack something, or if I feel really hungry in the late afternoon.

Hey, Emma, good for you with the exercise :bravo:. My hips are the last to lose, so I know that it feels great to notice a difference there. You rock!

Marie, I'm so glad that you wrist isn't broken. Better safe than sorry, though--that's why you and your employer pay so much for health insurance, so that you have the option when you need it. I hope you're able to get back to your usual level of workout intensity soon.

Carol, it's always something at work, isn't it? Maybe the new gym will give you a chance to work off the negative vibes of your co-worker.

Penny, I can relate to how hard it is to get back on track after a long trip. Even if I start back eating super-healthy food right away, my body is looking for the calories I was getting before, thanks to big helpings (like in restaurants) and little extras, like appetizers and drinks. Evenings is when it's hardest for me. But I think I almost have a handle on it...just in time to leave town again in a few days :dizzy:. I'm already losing some of last week's gain.

Yesterday I got x-rays and a referral to a podiatrist. The knee guy wasn't too helpful, but he did give me the referral I need for physical therapy. Then I saw a integrative medicine internist. She had lots of suggestions for proactively dealing with the sinus hassles. I just have to commit the time to working on my breathing, incorporating specific spices into my diet and doing nasal irrigation every day. Penny, she said that the neti pot is better for prevention than for when you have a lot of congestion. She also told me to soak my foot in salt water, and to try a castor oil patch. I did the foot soak last night. I don't know if it helped, but it felt nice :D

This morning I had oatmeal and a chicken b'fast sausage. I'm having turkey breast and greens for lunch. Later I will have shrimp and celery sticks for a snack, and almonds if I'm still hungry. I have to stop in at a reception, I'll just have veggies there and no alcohol. Dinner will probably be a big salad, with a smoothie for dessert.

Okay, more than enough from me! Take care.

judy

My foot is really bugging me. I just did short workouts Sunday and Monday. I got through 45 minutes of cardio this morning.

Oh Penny what a blessing that would be if this one followed we'd have a great office etc..... My other office mates have come to the plate this time more than me and told the upper team that this is crazy and it needs to stop. She is always in a bad mood and trying to stir the pot in the office. I personally am a bit sick of listening to it. Today is a break as she is off. I do feel bad for her she is having a hard time with a grown son whom has some issues. Thats not easy. But she truly is very unhappy with her work setting. She could take her caseload with her as this last one pretty much has. Thats a families choice not a companies to whom they go with. Oh well. At any rate I hope to see an end to it very soon. The new girl hired is a daughter in law of the assistant adminsterator. So this stuff will relax a bit. I said yesterday they should switch me out and put her in my office that would end a lot of stuff. HaH hAH!!!! It won't happen but was a good laugh. Soaps now what fun my friend and I are just starters too. Sorry we don't live closer I bet you would be fun to hang out with to make soaps etc. Wow what a tea party!!!
Your not kidding once your out of a routine its tough and now Judy I agree with you by the time you get home its dark or almost etc. I do have to make time for myself and this week has been nuts. Not fitting it in but next week I am making a schedule. I also have decided to never skip my meds again what was I thinking. I don't think thats helped and boy how fast the wt. springs back on us. I am so upset with myself. At this pt. I am not having pasta or bread at least for a bit. I have been a bit to relaxed with my food choices and exercise. The back thing sure didn't help any. Before that I was exercising more without a doubt. So this weekend I am going to be faithful to exercising and making good food choices. Even with camping!!! I am determined to get that dang scale moving down!!! I hate this wt......
Judy good info. from the doc's office never heard of those patches before. What exactly are they to do soften it??? Hope it gets better real soon.
Marie good for you with that wrist glad your healing. Never fun to be down and out and sometimes a sprain can be more pain than a break they say.
Wow girls I never knew curves was so expensive a friend joined. I guess I always thought of it as a smaller place less equipment etc. I was a bit taken by the price but if it does the job good for my friend joining. I still haven't gotten to sign up yet but will get to the gym. I am going with Golds gym. Got to stop in and just sign up. Maybe on Tues. I will just take my stuff and do that right after work. I would like to start going in the morning before work and shower there etc... Well sorry for my down mood today but the scale and I had a disagreement he said no to what I wanted...... Have a good day!

Carol, the scale and I are always in disagreement. I believe I weigh 110 but it chortles when I tell it that. Sorry you're down. Why don't you suggest a change of office mates? All they can do is say no. Never hurts to ask.

Judy, I know the sinus irrigation helps my sister so get on that routine. I hope your podiatrist is as great as mine. If I could, he'd be my family dr.

So here a funny one for you - I was munchy and being not on the wagon at the moment, I dove into my snack drawer (pretty much empty but has some ok things for when I get stuck here). I grabbed 5 saltines and then promptly slammed my middle finger (the one I talk to the scale with) in the drawer. Man, oh man is it sore!!! Turned black and blue right away under the nail. And it hurts to type. I guess I'll learn - but I doubt it. If I'd been on track, it wouldn't have happened.

Penny, just how on earth do you serve tea for upwards of 500 people??? That's a monster of a task. And yes, I love my soap, you have a customer for life. I've used 1.5 bars so far. Told my family to keep their grubby paws off them.

Work is better today. I think I'm catching up from being out of the office for 3 days last week. I was a bum today and didn't get out of bed again. I think I'm going to go for a brisk walk in a few minutes and then more on the treadmill later. Or I'll check out my new yoga DVD that I got from amazon. Or I might be a couch potato. Oh, who knows. My options are endless...
Marie

Oh, Marie, ouch :headache:. That seems like a lot of punishment for a couple of lousy saltines. We're going to have to wrap you up in bubblewrap for a while so that all of your parts get a fair chance to heal.

I've been sleepy all day. Last night's reception was more like a sit-down buffet dinner, and I never could sneak out gracefully. Plus the food was slammin'--including a seafood bar and a chocolate fountain! I had lean protein, grilled veggies and a bit of chocolate-covered fruit. But later I went out for a quiet drink (or two) with some of the folks, and got home very late. Oh, well. I couldn't just fall into bed and go to sleep, so I soaked my feet and watched baseball until long after midnight.

Carol, how much is the Curves membership? Mine was $50/month, which is a lot lot less than the full gyms around here. It was just enough to be motivated to get my money's worth, but not so much that I would be tempted to cancel if I wasn't maximizing my membership. I hope you're feeling good about your intake and exercise.

Penny, 450-550 people is a lot for tea...and proper English ladies can't serve tea in paper cups like Starbucks. It sounds like a fun event to attend, though.

The camphor pads are supposed to help bring down swelling and inflammation. I haven't found any yet. I haven't heard back about my x-rays, so maybe no news is good news about my foot. I will go home early today so I can get a little time on the bike before parking myself in front of the tube to watch more baseball (Go Tribe!). Today I've had soymilk, an apple, a cheese stick, a Balance Bar, a South Beach beef and broccoli lunch (too salty), sliced red pepper, hummus and smoked tofu. Dinner will be a salad.

Time to hobble off to the bus...

Judy - I like your idea of wrapping Marie in bubble wrap :lol: ! Maybe we can try it on our poor feet too :D. Oh, you have so much temptation in your job - chocolate fountains, oy veh! :devil: I don't know how you manage to do as well as you do on the road. I hope your footsies feel better soon. I can empathize - it can really be a drag when every footstep hurts. I'll have to look into the camphor pad for when my ankle is acting up. Wow, your Curves is much more expensive than mine. I pay just $29 per month. We serve our teas on heirloom china (pretty cups and saucers that have been donated by our members over the years). We serve tea out of actual teapots and it's quite a challenge serving that number of teas in a 5 hour period! The hardest part is getting people to leave so we can seat the people waiting in line!

Carol - I'd love to get together with you to make soaps and drink a nice "cuppa"! Too bad we're so far apart. Hey, don't let that scale get you down! We must wage war against the evil scales and we will win! Try not to skip your thyroid meds, that can really mess you up with weight loss. I'm on thyroid meds too and I think it has helped me quite a bit.

Marie - Sorry to hear you have yet another owie on your finger. I'm sure you don't need that right now. I hate my scale at the moment. It just won't go lower no matter how much I threaten it! I hope you like your yoga DVD. I haven't done any yoga since I got back, so thanks for reminding me. Since you asked, It's quite a job to serve all those teas. We have 9 items on our tea plate - 4 savory and 5 sweets. Each chapter is responsible for preparing one tea plate item and another chapter serves the tea. My chapter is making cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches and a chocolate dipped profiterole. My chapter is also making about 10 different crafts and each member makes 2-4 dozen baked items (British themed) for the bake sale. We also sell British Christmas crackers and Christmas Puddings (each chapter makes a dozen).

Today I decided to make our bedroom as allergy free as possible. I did a major clean up and took out any "dust collectors". I cleaned our window grooves (at the bottom of the sliding windows). You wouldn't believe the crud that had built up - all kinds of moldy looking stuff - yuk! I washed all the bedding and bought new pillows and allergy covers. I'm hoping these measures will help with my mold/dust mite allergies. We're also thinking of replacing our w/w carpet with a wood laminate floor.

Marie you did make me laugh. Not so funny though it must of really hurt those little crackers most likely weren't worth it. Huh? Oh I am trying and using the scale everyday right now. I feel it will help me be determined to make a change. I do believe menopause has something to do with this though not completely but something. I have had lots of hot flashes lately oh during the night is the worst as you get woke up several times. I am thinking of taking a bit of something to give myself a nights sleep. If my office mate starts in today I am going to say yah know its time to stop because certain things are the way they are and being upset and ventings not going to change them. The job is what it is and the office to if your that unhappy maybe a move is due. Boy I am a bit more than ready today cause it was so peaceful yesterday with the office to myself. The scale wasn't down but not up either. Giving up bread I decided isn't easy and I just need to modify my habits and I will conquer this!!!!
Judy the membership here I guess is the same 300 for the first 6 months but a full gym really great one with updates and pool sauna and hot tub is 580 a yr. Just seems like you get so much more and dressing rooms with top of the line hotel accomadation hair dryers etc..... Oh well personal choice I guess. I am going to get myself swinging to the gym tues. even going to take off a couple of hrs. to do so. The food sounded great at least you had some choices and could still enjoy yourself. I am off to an evening wedding tonight and hope I can stick to healthy eating. Meanwhile raisan bran for breakfast and a V8 for a snack, salad with turkey for lunch with a lite dressing. Trying to be better thats for sure. I will sneak in an apple with my lunch and one before the wedding good fiber and it will help me feel full.
Penny's price of curves is what I thought more like it would be. When I wt'd out the prices thought wow the gym is a better choice for me. I am hopeing that the thyroid meds kick in soon. I shouldn't of ever let that go sometimes we forget about what we should do for ourselves when serving so many others. Dum move for me! But the lesson isn't a nice one to learn. I think my back being messed up cut me back on exercise.

Morning everyone. I decided to post before doing much work this morning. Once the district knows I'm at my desk, i'm a sitting duck for their problems.

So my finger is black and blue at the tip. It doesn't hurt as much to type today, just a bit. But tought th nail side and wow-wee does it hurt. The saltines were not even remotely worth it.

Judy the bubble wrap was funny - but I'm very visual and the thought of tiny bubble wrap morphed into fat cells that I've seen pictures of and decided I have plenty of bubble wrap. :) And I would have been a goner at the chocolate fountain. How do you stay or lose weight?I'd be the one ton man if I had those temptations. I do believe you have a might willpower!!!

Penny, I did The Firm Beginner Yoga workout yesterday. It was great. I liked it and could almost do most of the moves (except too much pressure on the left wrist). I'd bought it through Amazon for $19.99 - it came with the 30 minute workout DVD, a foam brick, a strap and yoga mat. I was like, hmmm, what the heck is the brick and strap for. It made it so you could do more of the movements as a beginner to work into it. Who would have ever guessed I'd like it as I've hated the other tries at Yoga. I can keep on track wtih this one. It doesn't seem to work the balance aspect as much as the flexibility. So I still need to find something to start working on my balance. I might research the yoga balance moves and add them by myself.

Yesterdays stats: Probably about 2 million calories (I didn't log but I did log breakfast this morning to get back on track). OK, 2 million might be over exaggerating. I'd say rough calc-ing in my head, about 1800 cals. I did walk 2.25 miles and did the Yoga video.

And I forgot to mention this but on Wednesday I started adding a jogging to the walking. Only 1/3 mile but it's a start. I did it again this morning. I'm starting to get my exercise in line for skiing as it keeps snowing on me when I walk and I bought my season pass. I am excited for ski season. Who'd have guessed I'd look forward to winter????
Marie

You know, it's a little dispiriting to write this when an ad that says, "I've lost 14 pounds in 4 weeks" is taunting me just to the right of this thread! :(

But it's Friday, the Indians crushed the Yankees last night, and I'm in a good mood. My foot xrays don't show any bone problems, so maybe when I get to see a podiatrist in a couple of weeks, there will be a simple solution to whatever's ailing my foot.

Marie, I'm glad that you like the yoga video. I like mine but haven't done it much these past several months. I would like to find a couple of new low-impact cardio videos. The balance ball video isn't quite working for me. The guy is a little creepy, and I think I should've gotten a ball for a taller person, because I seem to sit lower on the ball than I should, due to be so heavy. I could try a different ball, but I'd hate be stuck with two and still not want to use them!

No, I don't have supernatural willpower, or I wouldn't have just eaten a bag of baked potato chips :devil:. Not eating wheat has been a bit of a blessing, though. That eliminated most of the yummy options at the chocolate fountain, for instance, and kept me away from the pasta bar altogether.

Carol, the Curves and the full gyms here, like everything else, are much more expensive. I used to belong to one near my old apartment, but mostly only went on the weekends. I loved the spa parts of it, the steam and the jacuzzi. Since I have a new fitness center in my building, and I don't take advantage of that as often as I should, it's hard for me to justify paying $75 or more a month for a gym membership. I hope you have fun at the wedding!

Penny, wouldn't you like to come to DC and bust some dust for me?

judy

G,day
 

:hug: G,day everyone just thought I would drop in and say HI, Hey Judy and Carol, I was looking for someone I new and there you were, I hope you remember me It,s Julie from downunder, haven,t been here for awhile but yes I,m on that train again to weight loss city LOL:dizzy: I will be trying to catch up on all the posts so I can see what you have all been up to. Bye for now, Take care, BLESSED BE. JULS:hug:;)

Penny, KFalls is closer than DC and I could use some bust the dust, too.!!!!

Judy, what that ad chirped so merrily is that to lose the 14 pounds in 4 days was that the person had their left leg amputated. A little known fact, but a fact none the less. :) So don't be disconcerted.

This morning I walked the beautiful Blizzard and the jacka$$ Kodiak. Lordy, he's a pain sometimes. He wanted to get into it with anothe dog that a dumb lady was walking. So her dog and mine are mincing words and trying to lunge at eachother. Does the dumb lady pull her doggie along so that we'd put distance between them???? No she just stands there. I think me muttering (not so softly) "move lady" might have eventually helped but I drug Kodiak away. Too bad my knee connected with his head as he tried lurching. I did not feel bad. He's such a donkey and the lady was a dummie.

Ok, I feel better. :)

Anyway, on the walk I did 1/3 mile jogging again. My lungs can still feel it. It was 32 degrees. Cold and exercise irritate the asthma but I promptly remembered to take my meds when I got home. Good thing the ribs have healed that I can use them again. The remainder of the 1.5 mile walk was walking. Then I did my Yoga video again. The brick and strap really help in the stretching. I guess my research of reading customer reviews was worth it as I do like it.

I played with DGS loads last night. I love his age. Such a goofy, happy boy. DS is thinking of staying unemployed to work on developing his own software engine. He's very excited about it and both he and his GF want to stay in KFalls. This would be a way as GF will graduate from school in Dec and come next school year there will be a several teacher openings as my district is changing benefits and many long time teachers will lose mucho dollars if they don't retire. So perhaps I will see DGS grow!!! That would be cool. I think I'll help financially for a while, but I didn't offer last night. I must ponder our finances 1st as Miss Blizzie and her vet bills screwed up our finances. So we'll see.

Today I'm going to sew. Easy on the wrists. I've been sort of bummed that I can't do my hobbies because of the wrists. I've wanted a couple colored jeans skirts so I bought stone, green and brown material. Today I'll start sewing. I already cleaned up my craft room (so I could yoga). So I'm ready.
TTYL.
Marie

G,day Marie, how are you doing, I feel for your dog people are such air heads at times th woman should have gotten out of the way, but at least you had a chance to vent, I remember you and anyone else I forgot to mention I missed all of you, when I was here last you guys got me through some tough times. JULS

Julie, it's so nice to hear from you! :hug: I hope that you are doing well, I remember that you were embarking on some stressful times a while back. Heavens, don't try to catch up on all those posts, I'm sure we'll have some exciting new drama, challenges and successes any second now, so just start over fresh!

Marie, it will be so nice to have your grandbaby around. I hope the family finds a way to stay in the area. I like the combination of yoga, walking and jogging. You're getting in a nice mix of cardio, stretching and strength-training while everything heals up.

I went to the annual Green Festival yesterday. A massive celebration of health, nutrition, sustainability and consumerism in the convention center, with some invigorating left-wing politics thrown in. I've gone to two others over the past few years, but this time I was blown away by the size and the crowd! I brought home a lot of loot: tote bags, magazines, samples, coupons, etc., plus two jars of Really Raw Honey. That stuff is great, I have to keep myself from eating it with a big scoop, like a bear.

I'm packing my workout togs--I'm sure that they have an exercise bike, at least--and heading to the airport in an hour or so, for Charlotte. I'll try to check in a few times between now and Wednesday night. Be well, everyone!

judy

G,day everyone, Hi Judy Yeah life was stressful back then but I,m gettimg there I have learnt to just let go and let the Gods handle things. I went from 88kgs down to 75kgs and I felt good but over the last 4mths have gone back up now 91kgs I think that is about 190lbs give or take a few. I have been having terrible pains from my right hip all the way down to my foot also in my left arm, having lots of tests have to go for bone scan Doc was ??? bursitis but concerned it could be something else, it sucks I can,t move around to much can,t even go for a walk, to much pain and I could do more damage, hope they figure it out soon sick of getting pushed and poked. Anyway Imay not be able to get mobile but I am back to a healthier eating plan following WW points plan and I know like before with you lovely ladies to help and support me I will get there again, well I have raved on enough, bye for now Take care... JULS

Carol - I'm cutting down on bread too. I now have just 1/2 a slice of toast with breakfast - not a big amount to cut out, but it all helps. I'm also cutting down on potatoes and other really starchy foods. I couldn't give them up altogether, but eating 1/2 as much should make a difference in the long run. I'm substituting with a bigger variety of non-starchy veggies. I hope you found something to help with the hot flashes.

Marie - I hope your finger is feeling better. It looks like the skiing season will start early this year. I'm sure you're looking forward to your winter sports. When the weather gets cold I just want to stay indoors, drink cocoa and wait for spring! :lol:

Juls - I'm not sure if we've met - but welcome back! My DH and I lived in Aussie for 7 years (near Sydney). We still keep in touch with our good friends there. Sorry to hear about your health problems and I hope you soon feel better.

Judy - It sounds like you had a fun weekend at the festival. Have a good trip to Charlotte. I hear you guys are having a heat-wave back east.

I ate too much again yesterday as it was my DH's birthday (he's 64) and we went out to eat at the Claim Jumper restaurant. The best ribs I've ever had, but I hate to think how many calories :yikes:. I was thinking of that Beatles song "When I'm 64". I can't believe he's already that age - it seems just yesterday we were young kids listening to that record! I'm no spring chicken either (58 last birthday) but I'm still young at heart, so that's what really counts!

I hope everyone has a good week.

Wow, Penny, I didn't know they had a Claim Jumper in Portland. I went to one in Reno and thought it was just a lone restaurant. Then last month in San Bernadino, I saw one. Next time I'm in Portland, I will have to go. I had the best (aka calorie laden) dessert there (at least that's all I had as I didn't have a main course). I'm still pretty amazed how old I'm getting. I think once you hit 35, the years fly by and you have no concept of getting older.

Juls, welcome back!!!! It's so great to hear from you. I'm sorry about the weight gain, but you can get back with the eating and as the kgs drop, so wills ome of the pains and then you can exercise again. You'll do it, I know it. I'm so glad you're back!!!!

Judy, I loved Charlotte's airport (very rare thing for me to say). But they made it smoke free and there's rocking chairs in the main area of the terminal that were great to read a book in. And they overlooked vast expanses of floor to 3 story high windows. They did a nice job there!!! I hope you have a great trip. You know that you could go to the Lowes Motor Speedway on Sat night for a Nascar race...

I pigged out all weekend. Bad me. I'm struggling again. I was so on track before traveling. Oh Judy, how do you do it???? On a bright note, I exercised each day and already today. When the diet train rolls by, I'm gonna grab on again. I wish it would stop overbooking and bumping me from the flight.
Marie

G,day all you lovely ladies, :thanks: for the welcome back Marie it is good to catch up with old friends even if you can,t put a face to the name. I know with all of you guys giving me support and encouragement and lots of :goodluck: I will win this battle again, went for bone scan today and get results on Friday, g,day Penny I,m not sure if we have met either but then I,m a bit of an air head :crazy: LOL so we could have but just in case :wave: and a :high: how do you do. Well you all sound so busy and here I sit on my ever increasing butt doing nothing you are so right Marie I can,t wait until I can exercise again I miss just being able to go for a simple walk. Hey Carol hope your well and g,day to anyone I haven,t met yet. Bye for now, take care. Blessed Be..JULS

Well girls its nice to be back home to water, inside plumbing etc. But what a beautiful peaceful place I visited. There is only 18 campsites and only 2 were being used last weekend of the season. Our first time ever this late in the year taking advantage of a warmer time. We went kayacing and I flipped for the first time funny and safe I was in just a small depth of water getting out of course. We all had a good laugh and the camera wasn't far behind the flip. Oh well funny funny and I looked like a drowned rat. Of course no showers first whole day at camp so I looked lovely the rest of the weekend with hairspray wet look. Hahhhaah! But the mountains and leaves were just beautiful. I fished caught quite a few my big one I was ready to keep and he leaped out of my hands we had a good laugh. Kayacing and fishing together is a bit tricky. The landscape was beautiful even a waterfalls tucked into the the mountain and evergreens. We will go there again next year forsure.

Juls welcome back I too recently put a few lbs. back on I am blaming being a bit under the weather with a bad back and menopause. I think thats a pretty good excuse but now ready to get going. Glad you found us and together we will all make some positive differences in our lifes.
Judy your festival sounds like something I would enjoy. We stopped at a college town on our way to camp and they had a lovely farmers market. I purchased goodies along with some wine. We would like to go there again. Sounds like you had a good time too.
Marie you need to be more careful of your precious body. I hope your feeling better the yoga sounds good.
Penny I need to get on the soap making thing. Time is flying by so quickly where did this year go. The weather here is seasonably warmer than we expect so time goes by quickly not thing christmas is really so near. And my grandson to be born in November.
Emma hope your doing fine too.
Hope I didn't miss anyone.? If so hello and hope your doing well.
I am having some oatmeal and fresh raspberries with a bit of br. sugar and cinn. Oh so tasty. Good start to my busy day. I am planning healthy healthy week. Good luck to all of you too!~

Marie - A new Claim Jumper just opened about 5 min. from our house. There's another one in Clackamas, but I haven't been there. It's one of those places for special occasions only as there's not much that's "diet friendly" on the menu! The good thing is they have mini desserts now (they are famous for their huge desserts). My DH had a tiny creme brulee and I had a mini english toffee pudding. Probably still loaded with calories but not as bad as going the whole hog. Sounds like you are struggling too - it must the the time of year as we all seem to have been having difficulty staying on track lately. Let's shake ourselves up and get back on the wagon - we CAN do it!

Juls - I'll keep you in my prayers for a good outcome of your tests on Friday.

Carol - Your camping trip sounded wonderful! You are quite the adventurer with all that kayaking and fishing. It must be a beautiful place, with the waterfall and all and nice and peaceful with not too many other campers around. I had a lot of trouble with hot flashes but since I've been taking flax seed every day I rarely get them. It's important to grind it fresh in a coffee mill each time or it loses it's effectiveness. For some people flax seed is as good as taking hormones and also has been shown to prevent breast cancer (which is especially good news in my case).

Yesterday I ate on plan and feel better for it. I made some pumpkin custards for snacks as I get a craving for pumpkin pie this time of the year and they're a good substitute (only 115 cals each).

Judy - I hope you're having a nice time on your trip to Charlotte.

I hope everyone else is doing well.

G,day lovely ladies :hug: hope you are all well, thanks Penny I have my :crossed: for a good outcome, WOW Carol you sound like you really :kickbutt: where do you get all that energy send some my way;) yeah a few lbs is one thing but losing about 28 and then putting back about 32 boy that sucks thats the problem they leave but come back and bring friends :dizzy: but I know I,ll get rid of them again I,m going through menopause as well and other health problems but that is just part of the problem I,m the biggest part of my problem I just love food and all the wrong food :p I have a big secret I,m a comfort eater I love to get comfortable when I eat :rofl: no I,m serious whatever emotion I,m feeling at the time if it is negative I eat I get so :mad: at myself at times and then I feel bad so I grab a big bag of chips. Which reminds me Marie your english toffee pudding sounded YUM oh my God I,m hopeless :o hope your having fun Judy. Well I,ve raved on enough time to niki woop take care Blessed Be,.....:hug: JULS

Hi all, a rare break at work so here I am. I had a nice evening yesterday as DS2 and DH were in the garage working on DS2's project car. They didn't even know when I got home. So I did yoga and then sewed a little (little is the operate word as it was one side seam and then serging the same seam) but alas, I at least got to do a little. It was me time and I LIKED it alot. Then they came in from the garage and that was that...

I did the 1.5 block and jogged .33 mile of it. My lungs are not liking it in someways (asthma) but my body likes the big rise in heartrate. So I'll keep doing that 3x per week (if not more when my knee decides it's acceptable to do). I've been good foodwise so far today. I brought a stack of string cheese for my work fridge as a snack. I was out of the finger crunching saltines and animal crackers. My nail is still black and blue from last week's dive into the saltines. :)

Juls, you made the first step to losing the weight again. You came back. That's admitting there's a problem. So you'll make it. I, too, am an any emotion eater. I eat when I'm mad, I eat when I'm sad, I eat whenever... My sister has a whole song with that stuff but I can't remember it. :(

Carol, welcome back from your adventure. My favorite time in the kayak is flipping. But you know me, I go for the rush. You should post the pictures...

Penny, I finally remember what the gargantuan dessert was at Claim Jumper (it was about 6 years ago). A Chocolate Calzone. So it was a calzone stuffed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and topped with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. Oh it was divine. It was my whole meal and I couldn't eat more than a 1/3. I dream of that dessert occasionally. It was to die for!!!!!

Judy and Emma, I hope all is going good for you all!
Marie

Hey Marie that dessert sounded so good I don,t think I,ll have to eat for the rest of the day LOL I really admire you for your exercise efforts you have pain but you still keep pushing your an inspiration I got up of my butt this morning and got on my stationary bike for 30mins had it on a low setting but at least I was moving the Doc said to take it easy until I get the results back from the bone scan but I would rather be a little bit active instead of sitting about feeling like the return of the blob. Take care.. Julie

Penny thanks for the flaxseed info. I do have some but haven't ground it up yet just put it on stuff and eat it no flavor to it. Well I will ck it out. I am not going to go on anything I will fight this off myself too scared to take any hormone stuff.

Julies good luck. I do usually have a lot of energy thank goodness or I would be in worse shape.

My friend and I are thinking of joining the same gym and that might motivate both of us we are also coworkers so we tend to finish work at the same time most days. We are in that healthy blue ins. everyone is hearing about. They pay us to get healthy sounds good to us.

Tonight I had a snack of fresh plain berries and an apple sliced up with peanut butter on the side yes I measured it girls. But what a tasty healthy treat almost felt like cheating for sure. Better than the few chips I started to eat. Bought a little book today to write my intakes in. Better tracking good water intake today. Every change counts as little as it may seem.

Marie oh if my hair didn't look so bad I would post it. Still owe you girls a wedding one. Gotta get the kids to post it for me.
Take care girls my only true exercise today was the stairs and a bit of a walk in and out of the office. But this weekend I did get it in I think kayaking and hiking a bit. Tonight I am a bit tired out just taking it easy. Bear had a nice bath and then a vinegar rinse. He smells lots better now after getting caught in the rain at the end of yesterdays camping.

Good morning all just reporting my intake for yesterday 1650 in cals. Still a bit high due to some emotional stress munching. But pretty much healthy choices throughout my day.
Penny I am having some oatmeal with flaxseed in it maybe it will help but it is not ground still using it. Oh well.
Marie my little Bear has some water in his ear keeps shaking his head every once in awhile. Is there anything I can do for him or is this one of those gotta go to the vet things? I will stop at Petco to ask but thought you might no best due to so many pups.
I am glad I held off on the gym thing as my friend and I together will have more of a chance on getting each other there more often hopefully. Except some a.m.'s I am going to give it a chance before the weather gets to crazy to do it. In the spring it will be a great idea fall and winter is a bit different as its about 20 min in good weather for me to drive. But on the way to work and home. Have a good day everyone watch those hidden calories they hide around the corners before we know it there in our mouths without a thought til their missing in action. Hah hah! But not really all that funny! Scale day is wed. not expecting to see a loss but no gain would be okay too next week a sure loss. I have to meet some of my goal by the end of the month.

Morning everyone, a little break at work so here I am. I walked the treadmill 1.5 miles this am. I was prepared for the treadmill or outside. But a it was raining, I bummed poor Kodiak out as I chose not to walk in the rain. Maybe when I get home from work since it's not raining currently. I did the yoga DVD again yesterday. Food was pretty good yesterday. No snacking in the morning or right after work. My two trouble times.

Juls, good for you on doing an easy exercycle ride. Just moving gingerly will probably help keep you more limber and will help in the losing weight.

Carol, I don't know about the ears. My doggies never had the problem. goldie used to get ear infections as she had the droopy ears (huskies stick straight up). Why don't you call the vet? They usually will answer a question on the phone.

Hi Penny, Judy and Emma.
Marie

Good morning:angel:s, it is a beautiful day here downunder :hot: but a bit windy, I had a good day yesterday eating wise stayed on track came in at 1250 cals which isn,t to bad I try to stay under 1500. I do feel good Marie doing my little ride I put Pink on the CD player and she gets me moving I have to go and do some errands today so I will be doing a bit of walking the Doc says incidental exercise is good to but because we don,t feel like we,re dying after it we don,t think it is important. I had a few words with DH last night it seems like everytime he knows I,m trying to do something about my weight he decides to bring unhealthy munchies into the house, chips are my downfall but I was strong and had an apple while he sat there and scoffed his face I could of hit him over the head with something :dizzy: hey I should have my arms need exercising :D. Anyway my day is off to a good start some yoghurt a brekki bar and a green tea I,ll be out for lunch so I think I,ll have Subway a turkey and salad on wheat dinner maybe a WW ready meal with a WW dessert. Take care all of you G,day Carol, Penny, Judy and Emma I don,t think I have met you but we,ll get there. :hug:

Good morning girls well I am off to a good start today with my plans of food intake for the day and did a plan kind of for the rest of the week. Kind of a main meal plan at least. Yesterdays cals were at 1550 better but still need a bit of adjusting it takes time to get back into the swing. When yah leaped off the swing a bit too bad it didn't hit me and I would of caught myself sooner oh well better late than not at all. This is all part of learning what does or doesn't work oh I think I figured out the later part of that the hard way with a few extra lbs. along the way not nice I say! I am having my oatmeal as we visit and already have homemade chicken soup in the crockpot for dinner tonight preparing ahead helps me alot.
Bear seems a bit better this a.m. and mom gave me some solution to clean his ear so tonight I will do that. It was girls night out after dinner last night so tonight will be a bit calmer. Then friday we are having 3 out of 4 grandkids over for the night. It will be fun already planned individual pizza making, halloween crafts, apple pie making with the kids turning the apple peeler and rolling dough, popcorn and a halloween movie. Keep them all very busy and happy at the same time. It should be fun!
Rainy here today!
Marie sounds like your on a roll too! Keep it up!
Julies you do so well on your cals I can't go that low or I would be hungry. Good for you though. I would like to shoot for 1500 now then in a couple of weeks get to 1400 and thats good for me. I take an apple to have at lunch time and then one for the ride home. It helps not to be so hungry when I walk in the door and want to eat an elephant!!!
I am also tracking my fiber anyone hear of the F factor diet? I am shooting for 25 fibers a day my 1 cup of oatmeal gives me a nice start with 8. The apples add in another 8. So not too difficult to muster. It helps us feel fuller and burns the fat I am told. Take care time to go off to work. I have been so very busy the office stuff is at a min. Thank goodness!!! A break at last!

Juls - Good for you for eating an apple instead of those chips. It's hard sometimes to see other people eating "forbidden" foods, but it's a good feeling when we manage to say "no" despite our cravings. I'm glad to hear you're able to do some gentle exercises. The main thing is not to overdo it and to listen to your body when exercise is too painful.

Marie - I envy people who can sew! I tried it many moons ago and ended up throwing out some expensive fabric. I just don't have the patience. I do a lot of crafts, so I've learned to be a whiz with the hot glue gun!

Carol - Yes, I read about the F factor diet. It makes sense as fiber is very filling. I've started eating more fiber rich foods and veggies, like fennel, rutabaga, apples and prunes. Flax seed is also very high in fiber. I hope Bear's ears clear up. He probably got some water in them and I've heard that spaniels have a tendency to ear infections.

I'm off to my monthly State luncheon meeting which will probably be a long one as we're planning our bazaar & tea next month. I'm hoping there will be something "safe" on the menu! It's at Albertina Kerr's - an old stately home where they have a lovely dining room and also an antique consignment store which is fun to browse through.

:hug: To all you lovely ladies, yes Penny I was very proud of myself for eating the apple but I sulked when I new DH hubby was in the next room eating them and after I told him off he did it to me again last night but this time it was caramelo choccy which I would kill for, his excuse is he loves me and he likes me to have the things I like, not to good when you are trying to trim the fat :dizzy::p. I think he just likes me cuddly it,s the Italian in him, sometimes I would like to hit him over the head:rollpin::dunno: but he means well. Carol it took me awhile to get used to keeping between 1200 and 1500 cals I still get hungry but if I do I have a big glass of iced water or green tea and a cold apple I keep them in the fridge that way they are crispy and cold and help with the cravings, and I,ve read that if you eat an apple after your meals it helps with fiber and also helps absorb fat something to think about I guess. I.ve had a good day found out results of tests I have bursitis, arthritis, and tennis elbow the Doc gave me an injection in my hip he wants to see if they will help calm it down if not I,m looking at an OP to have the bursa sack removed :carrot: it sounds soooo much fun I can hardly wait:dizzy: good day with cals stayed under 1300 today so not bad. Take care, bye for now :hug:... JULS