Judy - Glad you got your DVD working properly again. That hot buttered rum sure sounded good! I hear you about being "hungry from the neck up"! I very rarely get hunger pangs, even if I haven't eaten much. With me, it's all in the head. I wish I could get my stubborn brain to cooperate better ! It's nice that you've had some compliments that you've lost weight. You may be gaining muscle with all the exercise you've been doing lately - way to go!

Carol - Dealing with the doctor/hospital must be so frustrating for you and your DH. The only advice I think I could give you (for what it's worth) is that since another surgery to remove the item they left in could be risky and not advisable, it's probably best to think positive about it and put it in God's hands. As a cancer survivor, I've played a lot of "what if" head games, but that just drove me nuts! I decided to think positively and enjoy every day to the max, otherwise I'm just wasting whatever time I do have left by pointless worrying about something that may never happen. I have every intention to live to celebrate my 90th birthday! I'm glad your friends enjoyed getting your soaps. I find that soaps make a great gift and are always well-received. Yours sound very pretty if they don't want to use them.

July - I'm not so sure God invented chocolate cake - I think it may have been someone else ! I remember how hot it was sometimes at Christmas down under. Do people still have a Christmas picnic at the beach? When we were there some people celebrated Christmas in July when it was the middle of winter.

Marie - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that you get some good snowfall soon. I know you can't wait to go skiing regularly again. I hope you have a fun time on Sunday with lots of powder!

I had a lunch meeting/Christmas party yesterday and was fairly in control (mainly because only a few items appealed to me). I'm starting to have a protein shake as a meal replacement each day as this has worked for me in the past to start losing again. I don't have much social stuff going on now till Christmas and then a New Year's party, so it will be a bit easier to stay on track. I don't know why you guys assume us Brits are so reserved. We can get pretty boistrous (especially after a bit of a tipple!)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Girls thanks for the thoughts and wisdom that came my way. I have decided to put it in the lawyers hands and let him decide if we should be worried or not etc. I had a call from another doctors office which the new primary set us up with but it was in the same hospital as the surgoen no way. Don't think they don't scratch each others back. I only worry that they tell us the good things and not the whole story. After all he admitted this man whom assisted wasn't paying attention when someones life is on the line that your job to pay the best attention possible as this person has trusted his life in your hands. If it wasn't carelessness I would feel a bit better I think. In order to put this behind us I feel having an outside party review it would be the best we can do. It is near his lung and if it ever moved things wouldn't be good and with the human body who knows we don't know everything. Even if in the end a CT scan is needed yearly to ensure its where it is now you'd have a bit more rest. I do agree with you Penny sometimes we just need to hope for the best but my mind tells me differently this time so I think I have to go with my gutt. Hopefully its the right thing to do and the lawyer will ensure if he takes it on at all that bills accumulated from this mistake are paid by the right party. Thats mondays business to work on.
So on the intake front not awful for this time of year but the cookies aren't the best things I could eat. A friend sent over a plate for us yesterday he sugar cut outs rock they are soft and tasty. I am not making anymore cut outs this year but would love that recipe for the future lets see if she will share it? From here on in its drop or bar cookies only. Couple more kinds to fill my plates to give away to friends and coworkers.
Yesterday I had a super day at work. I took in a can of tea and some homemade soap as a gift to my supervisor. She loved it. Then gave my director 2 bars of lavender soap one with beeswax and lavender and the other lavender rose. She happened to come down to chat with me wanted to ensure that I was satisfied with the dept. and how its all going. She also wanted to ensure that the past issues I had with the supervisor from months back was going well. I assured her that I think things are going very well and all the coworkers are getting along there is no issues or behind the walls talk of dissatisfaction. Then she told me that it seems so nice to have everyone working so hard together and felt badly real bad over what happened in the past. I said oh well its made us all stronger and we appreciate a better work environment now. I gave her my soaps and said I just wanted to give a little token of my appreciation over my time out for my hubby etc... I said the lavender will relax you. She got up came over behind my desk gave me a hug and said you don't know how much this means to me and had a few tears. I hugged her back and said I am happy with my position and glad I stayed. A good ended to such a bad situation huh? So thanks to all of you for your past support and guess I truly made the right choice huh?
Marie enjoy that ski trip sounds like lots of exercise. Have you ever worn cuddles to keep you warm? Oh there great kind of womens long johns but so light wt. you don't no you have them on. We are to have a big storm roll in tonight around 10 pm and storm warnings til 10 am ooh! So I have some jewelry to make for gifts and pjs to make for the grandgirls and knitting too. So I will enjoy the fireplace and some winter relaxation time.
Judy I usually gain muscle and look like I have lost but actually stay the same or lose very slowly. So just keep up what your doing its working and the action your getting from others is so nice you deserve it. Penny your right on top of it with that one. Christmas on the beach sounds lovely where do I sign up? I can't wait to go to HI. to see that grandbaby. He looks so much like my oldest daughters baby pictures she is dying to go see him but doesn't fly and doesn't have the money to really go. So hopefully this next year the baby will come for a NY visit. I have gift card for 100 given from a rewards pt. system so I am going to Target to get a new camera. Mine is fine but my friend has one which takes better pictures and I don't want to miss a thing with the kids. Take care everyone sorry this is so long.

I am so happy it is weekend. I'm sitting by my fireplace with the Christmas tree lights glowing. My light therapy box is glowing and there are little snowflakes falling from the sky. It's a beautiful day. DH and I doggie walked for 2 miles (maybe a bit more). It was wonderful.

Almost DIL graduated from college on Thursday and the ceremony was nice and last night was her party. that was nice but I'm a homebody so 2 evenings in a row was too much. So today I stay at home and tomorrow I ski. Almost DIL might join us.

Carol, I agree about letting the lawyer handle it. I know that there are a lot of frivolous lawsuits, but this isn't one. Malpractice be definition is what happened. I'm glad that you're happy with your decision to remain where you work. Imagine how much harder a new job would have been with your DH's surgery.

Penny, I met you remember??? My thoughts of you being quiet are from that, not that you're British. Although I do think you're right that quiet is the stereotype. And your soaps are well received everytime I take a shower. I love the orange blossom. I'll be ordering more when I run low.

Judy and Juls, I hope you're doing great.
Marie

Carol - I totally agree that it's important to get legal advice and perhaps also a second or even third medical opinion. In my last post, I didn't mean in any way that you shouldn't take these steps. It's completely unacceptable that they didn't at least do a simple X-ray during the surgery (which I thought was a routine matter). No matter how "nice" the doctor is, your DH's wellbeing is of primary importance. I hope they will find that the piece they left in is not in a harmful position. The human body is a lot stronger than we think sometimes and will encapsulate foreign bodies to avoid damage. I will keep your DH in my prayers that all will be well. I'm glad you had that talk with your director and it went so well. It's good that she acknowledged what the problem was and appreciates having you on board. It's nice you have your visit to your new grandbaby to look forward to. I hope the big storm you were expecting wasn't too wild.

Marie - Congratulations to your almost DIL on her graduation! I can just imagine you sitting by the lightbox with the Christmas lights twinkling and the snow falling. A nice relaxing scene. I think I may need a light box soon if it doesn't brighten up a bit around here! I get a bit down when we have too many gray days in a row. I'm glad you're still enjoying the soaps.

Judy & Juls - I hope you're having a good weekend.

I just got back from the hairdressers and she recommended some layers as my hair is now past my shoulders and needs a bit of body. I also had some thicker bangs cut, which apparently is more trendy. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. It was so nice to just sit there and do nothing and she gave me a nice scalp massage too - soooo relaxing.

Hi! I guess I missed my Friday check-in. It was a good day, but a little too much fun...Since some folks in my office are heading off to vacation, we had a little office party for my birthday yesterday, and I had a big glass of wine in the middle of the afternoon, and then more wine and nibbles at a reception in the evening. Oh, well, not so horrible, but I didn't try hard enough to make good choices. Today I did the 5-mile walk cardio video, and dashed out for groceries and the first round of Xmas shopping before the nasty weather started. I treated myself to my first MP3 player, a 1GB Sharper Image music/video/photo thing, so I guess I'll have fun setting it up on Sunday. I was going to wait until the new iPhone comes out, but I will probably be on budget lockdown next year, and the MP3 player was on sale (and I used a 20% off coupon .)

Carol, re the doctor's screw-up, you are doing the right thing, better safe than sorry, medically and legally. It was so nice to hear that your supervisors are validating you at work, hooray! Seven-layer bars...mmmm. My mouth's watering just thinking about them...

Marie, you sound like you're in great spirits this weekend. Have fun skiing!

Penny, I've been having protein shakes for b'fast during the week, but since I eat so much later on the weekends, I treat myself to oatmeal and a side of protein (an egg, sliced turkey, etc.) on the weekends for brunch. It doesn't work so well for me to replace lunch or dinner with a shake. I feel deprived and ending up eating a meal, anyway.

Juls, you're right that the scale can be deceptive, I should track inches, too! But when the scale doesn't move eventually, I'm usually doing something wrong (usually too-big portions and an eating rut). I know that I'm losing a bit around the midriff. One reason people are noticing is because I did a stern purge of my clothes recently, and tossed my roomier pants and tops. I still would like to see progress on the scale--I will be bummed out if I enter 2008 above 219 lbs. I haven't seen a number lower than 223 in a few weeks .

Okay, once again you've distracted me long enough for an evening craving to pass! Thanks!

judy

G,day ladies hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.
As for the Chocolate cake maybe it was the it is sooooo wicked.

Hey Marie you little snow I hope you enjoy it I bet once your DH is there he will too.

Penny some people do have Chrissy on the beach there are always a lot of Barbies too, I have a friend that,s a pom and she is,nt quiet at all I guess it is a stereotype with the stiff upper lip and all that jazz, you are a lovely lady and I bet heaps of fun. I hope you had a nice lunch/Christmas party good luck with your protein shakes I find thay are good for a kick start to losing again to if the scales aren,t moving in the right direction, sometimes I have one for brekki they fill you up until lunch so that,s a good thing.

Carol Im glad you have such good responses at work from your supervisor you deserve the recognition, I bet you are getting sooo excited about getting your hands on that baby, my thought,s are with you and your DH as always.

Judy I,m sure the scale will start moving in the right direction again soon, good for you for getting rid of your roomier pants and tops if you haven,t got them to fall back on then the only way to go from here is down down down and you know you can do it, I find if I worry over my weight I don,t lose but if I forget about it and stay to a healthy eating plan than the scale moves in my favour they say stress can cause weight gain so I try not to focus on it to much but just try to stay on track.

Well take care everyone don,t obsess over the weight issue just try to keep your focus on healthy eating and portion sizes and those scales will move in all our favour.

JULS.....

Hooray, this is my last work week of the year! This is one Monday I've been looking forward to for a long time . Things have been challenging at work, but overall we did well. I was afraid that the stress and travel would lead to weight gain, but I'll be ending the year at least a little lighter than when I started, so I should remember that when I frown at the scale....you're right, Juls, we don't want to get too fixated on numbers.

Yesterday I wrote out half of my Xmas cards, I probably have another 25 or 30 to do tonight. It's old-fashioned, but it helps me keep in touch with friends across the country. Except for a long (70-minute) workout, it was a lazy day. I had a crazy carb fit, and ate about half a box of dry Puffins cereal. . It was as if I was possessed by a demon! I'm throwing the rest of the cereal away. Today is back to normal--a protein shake for b'fast, and half a pear and some string cheese for AM snack. I'm having a small salad, cup of shrimp creole and some almonds for lunch, veggies and hummus late afternoon, and steak and veggies for dinner, after pedaling the ExBike to nowhere when I get home from work.

Tomorrow's The big Five-Oh...and I have an enormous pimple near my chin! Sometimes I feel more like a teenager than a woman at the half-century mark.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

judy

Judy, you sure made me smile with the pimple remark. I'm amazed how often I still get a pimple. I remember being a teen being told that eventually they'd go away permanently. What a crock that was. I hope you have a FANTASTIC birthday. 1/2 century is quite a milestone. I've got a couple years left then the 5-oh - so celebrate and have a great time.

Juls, portions are what kills me. I finally noticed this weekend, my mentality has reverted to the "needing" more. Today I packed a 1/2 sandwich and I'm going to try to re-program my portion desires again. Drives me nuts that the more is better mentality won't go away.

No, no, no Penny - don't tell me bangs are back in fashion. For the FIRST time in my life I successfully grew them out. I guess I'll be out of fashion for a while as I know that no bangs will be back eventually. I did start noticing about a month ago that "stars" had bangs. I was hoping I was seeing things.

Skiing was very nice - it was snowy and Christmasy. I learned quite a few things. The bike, then car accident screwed up my courage. I was much more cautious which then made me more tense. I'm hoping next trip will help loosen that. Then I noticed the portion stuff as I'd packed a full sandwich which thankfully I didn't finish but ate more than I should have. And lastly, outdoor walking didn't strengthen my quads like WATP (walk away the pounds videos) did the prior year. My quads were very tired and are tight today. So today I did the 3 mile WATP and will get rebuilding the quad strength. So far the ski area I have the season pass isn't open even with some snow. We haven't gotten dumped on so it might be a bit before skiing again and that gives me time to do some squats and work WATP back into the exercise routing. Since I love to walk my dogs in the morning, I think that I'll add WATP in the evenings.

Food is in control so far today but I'm starving. I have about an hour before lunch and I won't give in as the bigger portions seemed to stetch my stomach and it needs to revert as well.

Well, back to work. Like Judy, it's a welcome week as there are no teachers/students and it's QUIET.
Marie

Well girls its one week away ready or not. I made a small batch of fudge last night and think it started my hot flashes going crazy awful night sleep that will teach me huh? Anyway this year it hardened nicely but is a bit grainy any ideas on how to solve that for next years batch? I am taking in a nice plater of cookies on my polish platter they look pretty good. Just some treats for the coworkers. I have a christmas party at a group home tonight and wed. then thurs get out early and don't return to work til next thurs. Hurray a real holiday break. Still have a couple of little nighties to make for the grandgirls but that will be fun. Also a little pillow but it will be fun. Few more little gifts to pick up nothing hard and some gift cards.
My intakes haven't been to bad but the cookies are naughty. I know! Got to be stronger its easier after their baked and in the ref. downstairs out of sight. I will try to keep them there unless we have company. Going to the gym today in between my work and party. At least thats something huh. Sounds like everyone else is trying too. Its tough I know and for someone whom loves to bake its not so easy let me tell yah.
Juls the good news is you made it through a tough year taking on more job responsibilities etc. so there is a an up swing to this see how well you have done and be proud of yourself! Hurray for you! Marie and look at you skiing and having fun! Me kayaking in the lovely weather! Penny you are the tea party queen and still moving forward! Juls you are the lady down under whom has a great spirit and keeps us all in an up swing! So together we are all a team of support and friendship I am grateful for all of you and hope each and everyone of you has a super christmas and a great new year full of exercise and a strong will to make a difference in your life and someone elses too!

I feel better with that paper work and decision out of my hands and in the hands of someone else. Let them decide not us. I have to call the doctor today we didn't hear anything last week from the hubbies blood work so I assumed it was fine. Oops a call yesterday and to late to return it for the results and a change in the med. Hopefully its reduced and a good sign not the other way. So I will see this morning. Just want this all behind us soon! The actual surgery seems to be fine its just all the other stuff and the hubby is starting to get back to his normal routine its nice to see.
Well catch yah all later and I will try to be good. I heard if you eat a cookie you should work out a half an hr. for each one. Holy I would be on the treadmill for a bit from the tasting of fudge and trying to figure out what I did wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

G,day ladies good to see you all in good spirits, I think with Chrissy coming I,ll be in the spirits in more ways than one

Well I,ve had a great day watching my points and staying on track I,ll be able to stay that way next week I have a very healthy Chrissy day planned and the good thing is nobody will know it is all low fat and good for them.

Judy hope you had a great day I get pimples to but I did,nt get them when I was young go figure you sound like you didn,t do to bad with the food intake and a 70min workout you go girl if that,s a lazy day wish I was that lazy your ending the year lighter than you started we all are and by this time next year we will all be at goal and ready to buy that slinky dress and strutt our stuff on Christmas day

Marie I know it is hard to watch portions but if you get into the habit of cutting things in half it gets easier I use smaller plates and pile them high with vegies it tricks my brain into thinking I,m eating much more than I am. I,m glad you had fun skiing maybe you will get some good snow falls soon so you can use your pass, and you too on your exercise routine between you and Judy you really are great motivators now if you can just apply the same enthusiasm to your food intake well there will be no stopping you, you will be on fire

Carol it is soooo good that your DH is getting back to his normal self even with the other stuff that must be a consulation. You are right together we are a force to be reckoned with and we should all give ourselves a big pat on the back for what we have achieved so far no matter how big or small. your cookies sound yummy and oooooh fudge I,m glad I,m not there I would eat the lot I hope all goes well with hubby,s results and he can cut back on his Meds.

Penny I hope you are in good spirits too, I had my hair cut in layers and short about 8mths ago an I have been growing it out it is to my shoulders now I went to the hairdressers the other day to and got some blonde streaks put through it looks nice with my red and I have had bangs all my life I have a high forhead so for me there isn,t much choice but I think I wouldn,t be me if I didn,t have my fringe.

Take care everyone, boy I can waffle on can,t I

JULS

Morning all, just a quick note as I finish soaking my toes. They are ok, except the right one which still has the strange bump the dr. was unsure about.

DH and I took the doggies out yesterday afternoon after work and then I took them out again this morning. We gave Blizzard a bath (her first) as she spit up the other night and then laid her head in it. Yucky to snuggle even after just washing her head. So she got the full bath and she's sparkly white. When she's so clean I forget how snow white she is. And Fluffy too.

Carol, the fudge - I think DH (our fudge maker) said that when it's grainy, the temp went too high. Good luck with DH's meds.

Juls, you are doing so great on food and your points. Good job tricking the family into eating healthy.

Well, I should get ready for work. TTYL.
Marie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDY!!! Congratualtions on your big five-Oh! I hope you have a wonderful day. You are a real inspiration with all the exercise you've been doing and your great attitude! .

Marie - Looks like your wish for snow will soon come true. I hope you have a fun time on the slopes next weekend. Blizzie must look like a small polar bear now she's all cleaned up. She probably can't wait to roll in something again! I hope the bump on your toe isn't painful.

Carol - It's good to hear your hubby is starting to feel more normal. The Christmas goodies you made sound yummy.

Juls - Good for you staying on track. It's so hard to do this time of the year. Your hairdo sounds very pretty. I like having a fringe (bangs over here) because it hides my wrinkles! I grew out my bangs last year but it made me look a bit harsh. When I had them cut again, I got lots of compliments and people said I look younger. I guess it just depends on your face shape, etc. whether they look good or not. I think we like to play around with different hairstyles because it's kind of instant gratification - not like being on a diet where it takes a long time to see results (for me at least!) I don't think you're 'waffling on' - I love reading your posts, as well as all the lovely ladies on our thread!

I'm still struggling to lose the weight I gained in England, so I'm glad I can come here and get inspiration and encouragement. I WILL get back to losing regularly again! I have tossed the chocolates my parents sent (despite telling them I don't eat them any longer). I made some of my DH's favorite Swiss Christmas cookies which are made with no flour - just chocolate, ground almonds, sugar and Kirsch liquor. We sent off our son's Christmas package yesterday and I put some of the cookies in for him. He's being sworn in this morning as a reserve police officer, he's very excited about it and looking forward to starting training in January.

Hi, all! Thanks for the b-days wishes! It was a good day, in the evening I attended a fun reception and a friend took me out for sushi. This morning I put on my exercise gear and sat down for my morning tea before I realized that I was more than a little hung over , so I took off the sneakers and went back to bed for an hour or so. But it was worth it to hang out, even on a school night! I'm still hearing from friends and family, and that's nice, too.

Marie, I agree that sometimes the videos give you a better walking workout--you lift your knees higher than you would if you were just out walking. And riding the hated Ex Bike has been good for my quads. I can feel the muscles getting toned, under that big slab of fat.

G'day, Juls. The point system sounds like a good match for you! Good luck sneaking a healthy meal past your family at Xmas. And waffle away here to your heart's content, I enjoy reading your posts. I can certainly natter on sometimes.

Carol, I wish I had your skills with a needle! It would be great to be able to alter my own clothes. I can sew on buttons and fix a hem, that's about it! I hope the party went well last night.

Penny, you and I will hang in there together on this thing. I was doing well until later on last week, when I was just voracious and not trying to make good choices. Then TOM started, which explains part of it, but it's also the fat cells fighting back...I'm afraid to look at the scale until the weekend. But we will keep a stiff upper chin and stay on the path.

judy

Hi everyone, a quick post while I soak my feet. I was bad (like Judy) and slept in a bit this morning. I skipped the morning soak because I liked the idea of a little exercise instead. I rode the exercycle for 3 miles and upped the resistance since it was going to be a short workout. Definitely have to agree with Judy, it worked the quads. After work I did 3 more miles and the yoga video. I haven't done it since the toe surgery. I was very careful and didn't aggravate them so that s progress. I got my new contacts today and they work better then the first pair. I could tell the moment I put them in. So hopefully when the dr. checks them on 1/2 he'll like them too.

Food - so so. But at least I'm not devouring all the christmas goodies insight.

Judy, happy belated birthday. Sounds like a great night. Hung over mid week is perfectly acceptable on such an occasion. I loved the description of your quads. I have that same slab of fat.

Penny, good for you in tossing out the chocolate. DH can't/won't throw out stuff. I do it behind his back. He probably thinks I eat it all. I think that 2008 should have a big challenge to get off our standstills. What do you all think?

Well, the feet should be done. So off I go...
Marie

PS Hi Carol and Juls!!!!!!

G,day to all you lovely ladies I hope you are all well and in good spirits. I,m going to give the scales a vacation until the New Year I think they deserve it the poor things it can,t of been easy holding up my gorgeuos big butt every Wednesday Anyway I,m off to Sydney on Saturday I can,t wait until I get my hands on my DGK,s ooooooooooooh I just love Christmas. I,m sending you all my warmest thoughts and wishes for a VERY HAPPY AND SAFE CHRISTMAS enjoy the holidays and your family and friends after all that is what is really important let the weight issue take time off too hey as we all know it will still be there in the New Year but not for long.

JULS