Ah, the end of the weekend. I always hate SUnday evenings. I'm lucky, tho, tomorrow I'm off but it's still not weekend. DH won't be here. BTW, he and I talked the other night about his job and the depression. I told him that I was relieved that it had finally lifted. He said he'd noticed too and took a page from my book and started exercising every day. He's definitely doing better.

I had major hair color issues today. I dyed the roots and bam, it all turned green. What a mess. So DH and I went to the store and bought a Strawberry Blonde on the advice of a beautician - she said it would pull the green out. She was right. It's got just a hint of red - mostly blonde. But the damage it did to my hair. I was sure upset earlier. Now that DH cut 1" off it's better but I didn't like losing the inch.

I walked the doggies this morning for 2.5 miles. They sure have taken to the early morning walking routine. Yesterday when we didn't leave the house as soon as I left my bedroom they were annoying. Today, we left immediately and their tails were a waggin'. Come winter, they'll be so sad. They'll have to use my light therapy.

Judy, you and I are in the same boat food wise. I go off but then make up with the exercise. BTW, I hate the Alli. I stopped taking it on Friday. My stomach was so gassy and that's just not nice to my family. :) I guess that was $70 down the drain. Anyone wants it, I'll send it one to you... And I'd hardly had fat. Also made me feel bloated and fat.

Nikki, cudos to your BF. That was very nice of him and the hostess. I'm glad that you're doing so well on your plan. I go through peaks and valleys dieting. Months of being and angel and a couple weeks of being a devil. Right now I'm the :devil:

TTYL,
Marie

Marie - I'm glad your DH is feeling better. Your doggies are so lucky that they get so much exercise. I know someone who lives in an apartment and has a large standard poodle. That breed also needs lots of exercise but she and her husband both work and the poor pooch sits around at home all day. I don't think it gets to go for walks very often. I wish people would think twice about getting big working dogs and keeping them cooped up all day. I've heard some bad things about Alii too - I guess it's not something you can take long-term. Can you get your money back?

Judy - I'm sorry you had such a hard week - work and eating wise. I hope this week gets off to a good start for you. I've also been struggling lately. I have been experimenting with not logging my food and I'm afraid there's been some "calorie creep". I really don't want to have to log everything I eat for the rest of my life, but maybe that's the price I'll have to pay to keep things under control. It was probably a good decision for you not to go to the BBQ festival - I know that I'd have zero willpower in that situation!

Carol - I can't wait to hear all about the wedding. I was thinking of you and the happy couple on Saturday. You are probably heaving a big sigh of relief that all the work is over and you can relax a bit.

Nikki - I'm glad your dinner worked out well. It was nice of the hostess to make something low carb for you. It was also very thoughtful of your bf to help out by mentioning it to her. I know how one meal heavy with carbs can be a slippery slope!

I had a fairly good weekend calorie-wise and managed to do some gardening and I walked a mile on the treadmill yesterday without my foot hurting too bad. My right hand is still sore from the acupuncture so I think she must had hit a nerve or something. Since she's someone I know personally, I'm not going to mention it to her, but I won't be going for any more treatments.

Marie- Yea my boyfriend is pretty great. I o through the same peeks and valleys. From october - Jan of this year was a valley. Atkins has truly been a god sent to me. It has helped me blow away my plateau at 157. 5 more pounds to go before i reward myself. I have wabnted my stomach re pierced for 4 years now. Once I get below 145 I will do it:)


Penny- ood idea to let the acupuncturist know. Is there any health reason you are not going to go back ? I know for me it was a monetary thing.

Nikki - The reason I'm not going back to the acupuncturist is that I've been having a lot of pain in my right hand where she placed the needles. My left hand and foot where she also placed needles are ok. I'm hoping it goes away soon as it's kept me awake a few times at night. I'm glad that Atkins has helped you get off your plateau. I'd like to try it again as I've had success in the past on Atkins but I don't think I could stay on it for very long.

Penny-
I hope your hand feels better soon and you get some sleep. Regarding the atkins there are some days I cant bare to be on it. However, I find when I play with recipes and make yummy foods I can do it better. Today I made a potaoe salad but used cucumbers instead of potatoes. It came out pretty good.

Nikki

Marie, it's good that your hair is back to a 'natural' color! My hair is mostly black, so I can't imagine how I'd look with a greenish tinge. Your hair will grow back out before you know it. I hope your hubby continues to improve his mood. And thank you very much, but please keep the Alli, I don't think I'm terribly interested!

Penny, "calorie creep" is a great term! That has totally been my problem these last two weeks. An extra 100 here, and extra 200 there..and suddenly that's enough to keep from losing, and for my stomach to assume that the ceiling has officially been raised from 1400-1600 calories to 1800-2100. This is where my resistance to tracking my eating is holding me back. I will ponder calorie creep, and maybe it will help me talk myself into keep a log, at least when I'm on the road.

Nikki, I'm sure that a piercing would be a disincentive for me:fr:. But the idea of being proud of my belly, instead of hiding it, is motivating. So go ahead and lose those last five pounds!

judy

Girls what a great day we had from weather, ceremony and great food and company. Lots of dancing for all and the food was so great. We had it catered by a local company and everything was so tasty. Everyone had a super time. My son inlaw wrote 3 pages of beautiful things to say and did so very well that was laughing points and loving momments in it. I never heard anyone do actually all that in front of such a crowd. But he wanted everyone to know he was marrying a lovely girl and he couldn't ever live without her and can't remember what a day was like without her on his side etc... I tell you my own heart melted as he read it out loud. He really is a special person and I think they will have a lovely life together. I was almost late for the wedding as the hairdresser did me last. A french twist and poofy on top it came out really nice. I had to ride to the wedding with friends instead of my daughter but did get there before she put on her dress etc. My husband was able to walk her and did it that wasn't easy but something he was determined to do he almost fell at one little pt. losing his balance on the step but my older daughter greeted him on his side steadied him and everything was fine. He also did the father daughter dance a bit so but it worked so that was also pretty special. The couple just enjoyed every second of their day I will add a couple of pictures. Oh my dress came out lovely and lots of compliments I wore the shawl too. Well it fit so nicely so I knew it was the right dress that day very comfortable to dance in as well as walk in. Now this is all a memory and one great one at that. This week I am enjoying the visit from the my kids from Maui and my little grandson. We are off to camp in the morning and relax for a few days so you won't hear from me til friday or saturday. I am going to kayak, fish and enjoy the company of all of them. So take care and I will catch up with all of you soon.

Carol-I am so lad things went well Saturday !

Carol, thanks for taking the time to let us know how it went! Have a great time with your Maui crowd.

Today is a big day: I wore a sleeveless dress, something that I never do. I have lovely sleeveless dresses, but I keep waiting for some magic day when my arms aren't so huge before I wear them. This morning I looked at the four dresses in my closet and asked myself if anyone cared except me....no one screamed in horror on the subway, so I guess it's okay :cool:. My dream is to have upper arms like Angela Bassett's. When I first saw the movie What's Love Got to Do with It, I thought she looked strong enough to give Larry Fishburne a good sock in the jaw :faint:. My biceps aren't too bad, thanks to Turbo Sculpt and Curves, but I will need lipo and surgery to get rid of the flab and skin hanging off my triceps. Whatever. I will wear my dresses this summer and keep on lifting weights :wl:.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

judy

Judy- I am glad you are having a good day. I am sure your arms don't look as bad as you think. Keep up your good work :)

Carol - Thanks for your wonderful description of the wedding - I could almost imagine I was there. It sounds like everything went off perfectly and your son in law was very sweet to make such a loving speech. I hope you have a nice time with your visitors from Maui.

Judy - You've given me courage to wear some of my sleeveless things (without wearing a jacket or blouse over them to hide my arms). I'm getting to the point where I don't give a darn who sees my arms - I want to be comfortable when (and if) the weather gets hot here! As you say, people aren't going to notice anyway. We can call ourselves the "Sleeveless Sisters"! Enjoy your sleeveless freedom!

Nikki & Marie - I hope you're having a good day.

I'm managing to keep on track the last few days and have been walking on the treadmill. Once I can do half an hour without too much discomfort I may try walking in the park - it's so much nicer than walking indoors.

Morning Ladies-

I hope everyone is having a good day. I had my weekly weigh in and lost 5 lbs this week :carrot: I will be happy if I can get down to 147 by July 4. Although it would be nice to meet my goal.

Nikki

Yay Nikki! You are a real inspiration. Congratulations on losing 5 lbs. :woohoo: You'll soon reach your goal at this rate.

Morning everyone!!! Carol, sounds like the wedding was wonderful. Congrats to you for getting a thoughtful son in law. That's the best a mother can dream of. Enjoy your vacation and Maui family.

Judy, a friend said to me about 23 years ago that I know I'm fat, you know you're fat so just wear shorts and stay comfy. That really stuck with me (BTW it was not said in a mean way). At that point we were living in VA and the summers were upper 90s and humid (as you know and are living). I'd been wearing jeans to cover up. She said that and it was the most liberating thing going. I've worn shorts, sleeveless shirts, etc ever since. BTW, my arms are ugly. And I hate to lift so they stay ugly. Someday the lipo and tricep tuck will be done for me too. :)

Penny, I agree you should tell your friend. Especially since it's still sore - you might need to go to a dr. Who knows what happened but all should be informed.

Nikki, way to go on the weight loss. I'm glad Adkins works so good for you. Calorie counting is the only thing that works for me. The 2 day stint on Alli proved that. :)

So the Alli thing, I don't know if I can return it. I doubt it. But I think officially it's out of my system. This is the first day I don't feel bloated or gassy. Horray. I will just use diet and exercise from this point on.

Penny I totally agree about the doggies and exercise. My dogs are so happy since we not go daily. They've always been running around our yard, but the morning ritual is what they're excited for. They bug me till I get my shoes on. :) They're going to be very bummed when I go on vacation. I told DS2 that he needed to walk them and he looked at me like I was nuts. As long as he feeds and waters them, I guess I won't complain. :)

Well, back to work.
Marie

Penny - Thanks

Marie- I'm glad you feel better after getting Alli out of your system. Did I miss something are you off on vacation?

Judy, Carol I hope you are having a good day.

Nikki

Nikki, congratulations! Last week was a great week for you.

Penny, I'll think of you and Marie as I work through my self-consciousness about my arms. My legs, though, that's a whole other story...

I have been good about doing cardio in the fitness center at the hotel in downtown Atlanta my first two days here. All the cardio machines have little mini-TVs, which I thought would be irritating but is quite diverting, especially if you have the sound down and are listening to music. I make up dialogue for Paris Hilton, Larry King, George Bush, the Headline News anchors, etc., and snicker. My eating has been okay. I bought some bottled water--the main challenge yesterday was feeling dehydrated, and taking in extra calories in sweet tea and a smoothie instead of plain water. Today is better.

Okay, time for more workshops! I'm at a big event with thousands of people, including some I haven't seen or even thought about in over 20 years. It's very disconcerting to see someone from my past step out of the elevator or the Starbucks in the lobby. Luckily by now most of us are wearing our name tags. Yesterday I felt like someone in the early stages of Alzheimers', running into people I felt good about but not knowing why!:dizzy:

judy

Judy, sounds like you're having a good time. I'm proud of you for exercising in the hotel's gym. Look how far you've come.

Nikki, I'm not on vacation yet. DH and fly to Fairbanks on July 7. We are so looking forward to it. We were supposed to go to Mt. Hood tonight to ski tomorrow but since it's forecasted to rain the entire time, we cancelled. Skiing in the rain sounds dreadful. I don't like skiing when it snows (flakes pelting my eyes or with goggle making them wet) so rain would be awful.

I have the dreaded annual visit in a little over an hour. I'll be honest - it's supposed to be annual but I haven't gone in about 5 years. So I'll be scolded as well as the yucky rest. But it'll be done. I learned a bit more about my family history that made me get off the procrastination.

I walked the dear doggies this morning and swam laps last night. I'm going to swim when I get home too. I guess I'm exercising regularly 2X per day. How silly is that??? Food is okay today but I'm still struggling big time. When I return from Alaska, I will be on the ball and lose 10 pounds. That's my goal - lose 10 pounds after July 14th by hopefully Christmas. Just know disgusting Alli to help. :)

Work is okay. End of the year state reports are basically done!!! I just finished the last but I have to help with one on the alternative schools because I understand how the state system works. :(

Talk to you tomorrow. Judy, I'm grabbing my shephards hook, sheep and elves and am going over the mountain to Costco. I love Costco!!!
Marie

Judy - You're doing great with all that exercise. Good idea to keep well hydrated. Name tags are a great idea a big gatherings (except everyone has to lean forward to squint at your name so they can't pretend to actually remember it! :lol:)

Marie - Have fun at Costco. We went yesterday and spent about $80 stocking up on bathroom tissue, paper rolls & kitchen trash bags - talk about thrown away money!!! Of course my DH had to look at all the cool gadgets. I'm amazed how much furniture they carry these days - unfortunately most of it made in China. It's great that you're exercising 2x a day. Good luck with your 10 lb. goal for Xmas, it sounds doable. You must be getting excited about your trip to Alaska. I've heard so many good things about Alaska, especially the cruises. If I were a bit more adventurous I might talk my DH into going.

Nikki & Carol - I hope your day is going well.

I went to my yoga class for the first time in 2 weeks and it felt good. I had to modify the moves a bit as I had minor surgery on Tuesday so I have to be careful till the stitches come out. I'll go on the treadmill later, so I'm doing pretty good for exercise today.

Judy- Way to go on the exercise

Marie-Enjoy it when you get there. Got to love Costco!

Penny-Good Job on the exercise.

I am kind of down today. Nothing to realy report. Catch you tomorrow

Nikki - I'm sorry you're feeling blue :(. I hope you feel better on the weekend.

I had a pretty busy but good day. Calories ok and I worked out at Curves. My boob procedure is such an improvement - I'm very happy with the result. I'm looking much more "even" without having to replace the implant. I'm splurging a few calories on a Margarita as I deserve it and it's Friday! Yay! :carrot:

Have a great weekend everyone!

Penny, glad that you're evened out. Probably no one would have ever noticed, but we sure notice on our own.

OK, Costco was great. Is great! I love that place. Here's the story... I ordered Alli online at costco.com and it was taking a while to get here, so a week ago Wednesday, I bought a bottle (70 bucks a shot). I tried it on Thur and Friday and hated it. Really, really hated it. I flet bloated, fat, gassy, but didn't have the icky talked about side effect. But I hated it and it took till Tuesday to feel better. So I brought the costco.com one back to Costco today with the online receipt because it was vacuumed sealed and clearly not opened. The other one is in my med cabinet awaiting disposal. So I told the guy how horrible the stuff was and that I wanted to return that one so that my mistake wasn't 140, it would just be 70. So he says, "Let's do the first one." I'm confused at this point since I wasn't trying to return the open one (didn't bring it or the receipt). So he refunds the online one and looks at the printout and says it's to be destroyed. That means he'll refund the second one and told me to destroy it when I get home. I'm like blown away - I didn't even bring it to the store. He looked at my records, asked whne I through I bought it - I told him the exact day and he credited my AmerExpress. I can now dump those suckers down the toilet without any guilt. Is that not cool. He said Costco 100% guarantees satisfaction. I would never have thought of trying to return the opened package. Wow.

So I've had a great day. :)

Nikki, I hope today is less blue than yesterday. I went through a blue funk ( used to call them DBFs - deep blue funks) but it wasn't deep at all last week. It was strange to be down for about a week - I guess the bipolar isn't all the way eradicated with the exercising. So Nikki, I hope your funk lasts way shorter than my week.

The dr. appointment was very good. I didn't get chided or anything for waiting 5 years. She was nice and understanding, and she grew up a bit in the 5 years (part of the reason I wasn't keen on going back - I'd liked her but she was about 28 and very hip - not my thing). But she's had two babies and is much more laid back and not dressing like Hollywood. She naswered many questions and said, "great, look you weigh less than when you were here last". I then came clean and told her how much I'd gained in the period and how much I've lost. She loves all the exercise I do. She thinks I'm healthy. Now just to have the normal card come in the mail...

Well, I'm going swimming now. HAve a great night!
Marie

Hello girls and just wanted to try and catch up with all of you. Congrats to Nikki with your loss! Hurray! And Judy good for you wearing what you wanted after all you should. I am pretty built on top with a broader than I'd like musclar shoulder area and still have some flab under my arms. I am not sure where it came from it just appeared one day. And with rowing and gardening one wouldn't think that would be there. Oh well it is and I am not going to let it stop me from wearing things. Maybe it will disappear. But good for you and now see your dealing with making some changes you should be proud of as well. You have worked hard to get some wt. off. I am going to get serious again soon especially after the kids go back to Maui. My son is delighted he is shipping his 1954 chev. car back to Maui. Dad and I gave it to him last year. He has been working extra hard to have the funds to send it home to use it there. It was nice to see him so happy. First he had to insure it here and register it before shipment could be arranged. We took our 1954 ford skyliner and his car out the other night cruising to the beach to the car show. It was fun. They have been driving it around town to their friends etc. He is going to fix it up and when we visit Dad can drive it there. Nice seeing your kids respect something special. Well on the food front its been tough few too many goodies. We visited the Fly by night cookie factory at camp. Always a dieters no no. Pms cookies and all. Oh so tasty but naughty. Our weather has been great. We did return from camp early as the mosiqutos were eating us all up at night couldn't even sit by the fire long. Even with stuff on etc. But we swam, kayaked, walked a bit and enjoyed each others company. Well on thurs. its back to work and the MAUI folks leave on tues. seems to soon. We are going to the Adirondacks on sunday to spend the day. Sight seeing and shopping etc. oh of course dinner there. It is only about 1 and half hrs. away from us. Talk to you all soon. Marie is Alli that wt. loss stuff in a white and blue container. I saw it I think at the drug store. Is that the stuff Oprha is backing ? I also was thinking of trying it. Though the slim fast shakes were helpful for mornings during the work week. 10 proteins to start my day.

Carol, definitely don't try Alli. I don't know if Oprah is backing it but it screwed up my digestive system so badly I could never rcommend it. I flushed all 146 capsules down the toilet (there were 150 but I'd used 4. The bottle was white with ALLI in four different colors on the label.

I'm glad you had a good week. Your "street cruise" sounds like fun. Every once in a while I like riding in my DH's 1948 Diamond T truck. But it hurts my back so I don't very often.

We took the doggies up to Hamaker Mountain and hiked this morning. We expanded on of the trails by taking a side path up a steep incline. My lungs felt that turn pretty quickly. But it was nice.

Then I had strawberry french toast with whipped cream for breakfast. Oh well, I undid the good of the exercise. But it sure was tasty!
Marie

Hi, chickies! I'm doing this one my Blackberry, so it will be short. I have been working out and walking a lot, but also eating heartily, so we'll see what the scale says Monday morning. I fly home on Sunday. It may be more tedious than usual, due to heightened security at the airports.. I had a lovely brunch with an old friend today. Shrimp and grits! I'd better head to the fitness center!

Judy

Welllll....I'm stuck in Atlanta for an extra day. My 'good' knee went ballistic Saturday night, swelling and hurting so bad I couldn't sleep and could barely hobble aound. So I went to the ER early this morning instead of to the airport. I was a bit panicked because this happened years ago with my other knee, pre-surgeries, and it puffed out overnight like a Polish sauage, and had to be drained. One of my all-time most miserable experiences. Anyway, I will be mobile enough Monday morning to head back home.

I hope everyone else had a good weekend!

Judy

Judy- My gosh I hope that knee feels better soon. Are you keeping it elevated?

Carol- I heard Alli does nasty things to your tummy. Personally I would not try it. Seems to good to be true.

Marie, Penny hope you ladies are well

I had a good OP weekend. I'm hoping to see some loss this week even thouh OI likely wont meet my July 4 goal. I always set them to high. I think from now on I will just go with the flow and not set such high goals.

Nikki

Girls its the end of my fun with my kids they fly out in the morning on tues. We had a good time together. Today I plan on taking them to shop for the baby I would like to purchase something they can take back on tues. at least a little something. My son is going to build some of the babies furniture and a trunk for toys treasure chest style. So I am helping them with the funds for that. Just want to help with something they'll not out grow to quickly. Wow our time went fast together. Heard from the wedding couple and they are loving Mexico with lots to do they will be back on thurs. So starting tues will be my jumping back on board with my scale and behaving better the last couple of weeks I have been relaxed in that dept. My best friend has asked me to be her buddy with eating healthier and exercising. She is going on vac. this week so will start that together next week. But for me my log and journal will begin on tues. Marie we must of been on a little break together. I ate some lovely texas french toast at a Pancake House yesterday but then tucked in a little exercise so it kind of balanced a bit. At least one will hope it did but things have been eaten lately that now I can say I had it and can live without it again no big deal. Being healthy is important and I need to jump back in full force on tues and make some healthy changes in my lifestyle again. No more big events coming up or excuses for me. Costcos oh how I wish it were here we have BJ'S AND Sam's but its not the same, similar.. Guess that Alii stuff is not so good pooh hooh on the stores and people pushing it. I just saw it the other day and Ophar had some teas she is pushing I almost ordered it then thought forget it I can buy tea and add in fresh orange or lemon myself and save a lot of cash. I am working on paying off some of the extra expenses from the wedding over the next few months so am tightening down the hatches a bit around here. I did garage sale on saturday and redecorated a bathroom with newer rugs, table cloth from pottery barn, new scatter rug for my bedroom and vase for all under 20.00. I am going to setup a sale at my house in a few weeks so starting to sort through stuff this week. Marie glad your hair is better now this may sound nuts but go buy some mayo and put it on your hair when it is dry wrap it in saran wrap for about an hr. wash it two times it will put the moisture back into your hair. Coloring two times so close together does bad things and this will help if you can sit out side and let the sun warm it into your hair like a hair dryer old trick reasonable and works great. If you do it let me know what you think I have done it several times over the years when having big issues with dryness or over processing. Nikki you remain doing well and sometimes setting goals to high is tough. Having a reasonable goal you can reach makes a difference not too low but not so high either good luck. I am making one too. Judy your just a traveling lady good for you exercising at the hotels. I can tell you all that I haven't been doing my PT exercises and I feel the difference. Though I have been dancing, walking and gardening today I will add in those exercises cuse I hurt this a.m. The kids got my hubby onto the chair lift at the mountain yesterday and he wasn't going to. They just know how to get him motivated and he doesn't want to say no to them. Too bad they are so far away. We will both truly miss them. But in November will have a new grand baby and will visit them in Feb. or March for a couple of weeks at least. Penny sounds like you are doing well keep it up never did curves but glad that its something you can get to and do. I am going to start at the gym this week to the site is being remodeled so I have to go to one by my work.

Carol- I am glad you had fun with the kids. Making a contribution to something that the baby won't outgrow is a great idea.


I just got my pool open so I am hoping with the swimming my loss picks up.

Nikki

Nikki, good luck with the swimming. I found that adding the swimming in the evening to make me more energetic every night. Usually by 7 I'm wilting. The swimming changed that. I get up so early to exercise, that I go to be by 9. The swimming has made me have a few more productive hours. So I don't know if helped in the weight mgmt but it's sure been nice for getting things done.

Carol, I'm sorry your kids will be leaving. How exciting though next spring you'll be able to visit a new grandbaby.

I'm having a boring day. Doing the end of the year rollover for the student info systems. Very tedious, detailed oriented but boring none the less. I knew when I scheduled it that it would be a boring day. My reward - a swim when I get home.

Judy, I hope your knee recovers quickly. Don't we just love how our body acts up now that we're getting older? There are days I just feel old. I hope your knee isn't serious.

Well, back to the tedious stuff. Talk to you later.
Marie

Carol, what a week you have had! I know you're sad to say goodbye to the Hawai'i kids, but before you know it the honeymooners will be back with their vacation photos.

Marie, it's great that your swimming schedule has the added benefit of perking up your evenings. I am beginning to like when I can do cardio after work, but I have to make sure I get home from work before 8PM, or I end up eating dinner and going to bed too late.

Nikki, good for you, having a gold star weekend. I bet that shaking up your routine with swimming will help reach your next goal.

Penny, I hope you enjoyed your weekend, toasting your boobs with margaritas!

I got an early flight home today. I didn't go into the office, and have been puttering around at home all day. My knee is a little tight, but if I hold off on long walks and working out for a few more days, I should be fine. Maybe it was the elliptical traininer at the hotel--some of them bug my knees, others are no problem. One of the reasons I got serious again about weight loss a few years ago was knowing that my "good" knee will need surgery at some point, and it would be nice to be considerably smaller before I'm on crutches again.

I ate weirdly yesterday. The pain meds made me sleep more than anything else, so I ate protein bars, an apple and all my remaining snacks, but never had a meal per se. Now that I'm home, I don't have much in the way of fresh produce, just freezer and pantry food. I'm looking forward to grocery shopping and breaking out the pots and pans!

judy

Marie- I think swimming helps tone. At least that is my experience. I always get more eneretic in summer when I swim. I love lying by the pool reading too < of course with SPf on>

Judy- Welcome home ! I am glad your knee feels a bit better :) I can relate to your knees and the desire to lose weight. I have bad ankles and the excess weight kills them.

I had a good day I treated myself to an afternoon of reading in the sun. It always destresses me to do that :)

Nikki

Hi all. Looks like one of my posts didn't make it - don't you hate it when that happens??!! :mad:

Anyway, I had a good day and visited with an elderly friend. I feel bad that I've neglected her a bit lately and I know she enjoys having visitors. It was good to have a nice long chat and to see that she's doing well in her new apartment.

Judy - I'm sorry to hear that your knee has been acting up. It sounds very painful, I hope you feel better soon. It must be especially hard when you're traveling. It's good that you're home now and can prepare some good home-cooked meals.

Carol - I've enjoyed reading all your news. It must have been a whirlwind for you lately. It's nice that you've been able to spend so much time with your family. I'm sure it's been a bit hard to stick to your plan with all that's been going on but now that things have calmed down a bit you'll find it easier to keep on track.

Marie -I envy you for your pool now that the weather is getting warmer. It would be lovely just to go outside and have a dip whenever I wanted to. It's easy on the joints and that would be great for my ankles.

Nikki - I'm glad you had a relaxing day reading in the sunshine.

Penny, it's good of you to go out of your way to hang out with your elderly friend. When I was a kid, I hated being "dragged" along with my mom to visit older neighbors, but now I appreciate the extra effort my mom and people of her generation took (and still take) to keep home-bound folks from feeling isolated.

Nikki, an afternoon in the sun with a good book can sure chase the blues away! I think I will do something similar for the Fourth, just kick back and enjoy the good things of summer.

My knee has totally forgotten all about its troubles. I will try a light workout tonight when I get home. I haven't worked out since Friday!

judy

T

Today was a bit sad my family flew out this a.m. but next time will be here to visit with a new grandchild. I tried to focus on that to get me through their leaving. Well then went off to the grocery store to purchase some healthy foods for the rest of the week to make my choices a bit easier. I also stopped at the farm and picked up a few more things to put in the garden as I had some room. I planted brussel sprouts and basil plants today. I can make pesto that will be nice over some pasta this summer. My squash plants are looking good I will have more than I can use most likely. Bear is going on friday to get altered and have his nails clipped while he is under. Then my mom whom is 85 is going for carpal tunnel surgery next week on the 10th. She will stay a couple of days with me as my sister will be out of town. I had it arranged for my older sister to take her for the surgery. I explained that yah know I have been away from work for 2 weeks and it wouldn't be too great for me to request a day so soon. So the pressure was on and I delegated quit nicely. Sometimes we can only do so such. I am going to go to the shelter for a coupon for my dog its a cheaper rate to have him altered. Then off to swim a bit with the grandson. Dinner tonight is easy we have spaghetti and meatballs from last night and I will make a salad to. It will get easier but I have to guide myself into better choices more water etc.... Judy glad your knee is better. Traveling always hurts mine due to a past surgery I always get sore and need to get it comfortable. Yah Nikki the relaxing sounds great. You go girl and Judy join her I'd like to do it too! Saturday I might get a little break after I pick up the dog. A little me time I say! Penny it does make us feel better when we help others not a bad thing a little lift with kindness. I had mom over for dinner and to spend the last evening with the kids. She enjoyed the pictures my son shared with her of his life in Maui. He had them on his computer screen easy on her eyes too. She will never get there so its nice for her to see at least his lifestyle and that he is happy and doing well for himself. Well off to run some errands take care and if I don't check in have a good 4th Nikki you are doing so well just remember how proud we all are of what you have accomplished in this time period.

Hi all, I'm waiting on my boss. We had a 9 am appointment and it's now 1:21 pm/ Okay, she did show up for a couple minutes and said she'd be right back. Oh well. I got lots of other work done while waiting.

This morning during the doggie walk, I listened to music, not a book. Man I cruised up and down the roads. Apparently listening to the books has a slower pace. So I'm still going to listen to books, but be aware of my pace.

Less than 3 hours till the Hump Day break (okay 4th of July - I love how it breaks up the week).

I'm starting to get sad about leaving my doggies for the week vacation. I'm very excited to go to Alaska but I wish they were coming too. Blizzie's an Alaskan Husky so she should go see her motherland... DH doesn't quite agree with my logic.

Judy, I'm glad your knee is better. I hope the light workout works this evening. Isn't it a little scary when testing out healed tissue - I'm always scared of re-injuring.

Nikki, you pool day/ reading book hit home. That's my plan for tomorrow. It's supposed to be in the upper 90's and I love my SPF. I bought a blowup boat to float in. I lounge day is my goal. BTW, the reading a book comment made me remember a conversation with DH yesterday. He and DS2 were talking and DS2 gave him a Harry Potter book. DH had told him which HP movies he'd seen and DS2 gave him the next book in the series. After swimming I saw the book and questioned it's presence. DH said it was for vacation. I said, "I didn't know you knew how to read books." He looked at me so strangely. In 24 years of marriage - he's never, ever read a novel. Car manuals, magazines, etc - NOT A BOOK. It never dawned on my that he could read a real book. Both he and DS2 thought I was nuts. Of course he knew how to read, they said. I knew that, but it was a weird concept. :)

Carol, I'm glad you delegated some of your mother's care to your siblings. Strange that you'd have to ask - shouldn't she volunteer, ask you how to divide up mom's needs? I guess once you're delegated the caregiver, others can sneak away. Happens in my family too. When I flew across the country for my mom's surgery but my 2 siblings that live 30 minutes away couldn't be bothered taught me that lesson. When I couldn't go for surgery 2 and 3 - they did step up to the plate, but it wasn't selflessly.

Okay, I just had the best lunch I've had forever. Co-workers and I were talking about peanut butter (a big love of mine that I'm deathly allergic too) and I had mentioned a week ago that I wish I could have a PBJ. The staple of my childhood. One co-worker asked if I'd tried Almond Butter. I'd never heard of it and he told me where in the store it is. They had that and Cashew Butter (which was a little cheaper than the almod butter). I bought the Cashew Butter. Last night I made home made bread and today I had a CBJ - it tasted exactly like a PBJ. I'm in heaven!!!!
Marie

Penny- It was sweet of you to visit with your elderly friend.


Carol-Sounds like you are busy as usual. I hope you get your YOU time.

Judy- I'm glad your knee feels better.

Marie-I've always wanted to try Almond butter. It sounds great. I hope your boss shows.


Well ladies tomorrow I am going to continue to eat low carb but eat a bit more then usual like 30 grams instead of my normal 10. I will post the results of my challenge at some point tomorrow. Enjoy your 4th ladies:)

This has been a nice lazy day! I did a regular workout today, with no problems, but I will ice my knee this evening, just in case. I have a kitchen full of groceries, yaay! Walking to the store I could smell the neighbors' BBQ, so I splurged on on a few ribs at the deli counter, otherwise I bought groceries more in line with South Beach.

I didn't reach my July 4 goal, but I am relieved that I haven't lost too much ground, and my weight is about the same. My pants are looser in the waist and thighs (thighs, finally :D), so I know that if I keep the faith I'll be fine. Labor Day is too far away to be a good goal for me, so I'll buckle down and focus on getting down to 218 by July 25, three weeks from now, when I do the family vacation.

I hope everyone is enjoying a lovely day! I may walk over to the Air Force Memorial, which has a splendid panoramic view of DC and the fireworks on the National Mall...or I may walk over to my TV, where the view is even better:devil:.

judy

Judy - I'm glad your knee is feeling better. I'm sure that's a big relief. It must be nice for you to be able to stock up on groceries since you were on the road so long. I hope you enjoyed the ribs - one of my favorites too! I didn't reach my July 4th goal either, I actually gained 2 lbs.! Maybe my new habit of having a nice cold margarita in the evenings has caught up with me. Oh well, looks like I'll have to go back to journaling my food. I hate doing it but it seems like the only thing that works for me. I just heard about the bad weather headed your way - they just evacuated people to the Smithsonian building in DC as they thought some tornadoes might be on the way. Keep safe out there!

Carol - It sounds like you have a great veggie garden. I love basil, especially with tomatoes, but the bugs around here love it too so they disappear pretty quickly if I plant them. It's nice you could spend some time with your Mom. I'm sure she enjoyed seeing the photos. I called my Mum today as it's her 85th birthday. My brother bought her a digital photo frame and we all sent digital pics to him so he could load them into it. He also found some old slides from our time in Australia about 40 years ago and made them into digital pictures. I can't believe we were ever that young! Talk about hippies! My brother, who was so skinny with long curly hair and a tie dyed shirt now is bald and rather portly. I had waist-length hair parted in the middle and look as skinny as a rake (although even then I thought I was fat!) Mum was thrilled to bits with the photos.

Marie - I'm glad you found a safe substitute for peanut butter. I love almond butter. I'm allergic to cashews, so I don't know what cashew butter tastes like. I hope your DH enjoys the Harry Potter book. In 38 years of marriage, I've only known my hubby to read one book - On the Beach by Neville Shute - and that was about thirty years ago! I love to read and feel sorry for people who miss out on such a wonderful experience as getting "lost" in a book, whether it's a novel or non-fiction. I'm not sure when you're off on your trip - but have a great time in beautiful Alaska!

Nikki - I'm sure your challenge went a lot better than mine! I ended up gaining 2 lbs.! :( I'm going to cut out the margaritas and I'm sure that will make a big difference. Those things are loaded with calories but go down so quickly! I'm also going to eat out less - it's always harder to control the calories when I eat out. I'm also going to start journaling my food again as I started gaining when I stopped journaling.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th!

Judy I am going to ease myself back into the SB diet. First I am just trying to get my ground on not nibbling as much and crazy as it sounds having more fruit and veggies. The SB thing I like is it takes away the cravings and that helps so much. I do have the cook book. Marie I have a health food store which sells the PB but they make a mystery one with more than one nut in it kind of cool huh? I like it on toast of course. I bought some healthy raisan bread the other day of so tasty. Now on SB I think thats off limits at least at first. I am not sure I will do the full two weeks of the no no's. We will see. But next monday I would like to start that its my goal mini one of course. Today I am writing my intakes for today on a little note pad. THis will help me get a good start. I was careful yesterday and only had a burger at my sisters oh yah and a few tortilla chips and dip but added them in. Not over board. Had no pie when everyone else did and ate some fruit later on as my snack. Got to get back into the nothing after 7:30 thing only water with lemon. Packed a decent lunch for work today and my water. Slim fast for breakfast and a health bar for snack around 10. So this is my introduction back into the working world and my healthier lifestyle with food. My family got home safe after 4 planes and said they would never fly USAways again as they routed them so crazy it added on about 4 hrs to their flight. I am starting this week to save my funds for the hubby and I to visit them and our new grandchild in the spring. I am opening a seperate acct. for this only. I also am requesting for christmas no presents but a deposit for our acct. We will enjoy that above all at this time. We are going to slow down the christmas list a bit this year too. Buying a little something for each couple and then our grandchildren since each family will have one at least now. Well Judy hope all is going well with that knee. I haven't been to PT but will be scheduling her today for next week. I have slacked off on the exercises she asked me to do this weekend I will add them back in as well as the eating habits being good. My friends are camping we may go up to kayak on saturday afternoon depending on the weather conditions. Penny too bad there isn't a lighter version of your drink. CK it out on line maybe then you don't have to give it up. Oh follow it up with a couple of glasses of ice water!!! Hah hah! My garden is liking our crazy weather conditions one day in the 90's then down to the 70's and lower at night. Just crazy this year but the gardens seem to like it. I sent my last jar of grape jam home to Maui with the kids they were happy to tell me it made it and they will enjoy a little bit of home during their times of using it. I have picked quite a few raspberries and hope to make at least one batch of jam. Lots of grapes so this year at least a few batches of jam there. Well take care girls I think I caught yah all up and sorry its so long.