Judy - It sounds like you're having a heat wave. Hope you can keep cool. You're making great food choices! :broc: You've inspired me to up my intake of veggies.

Nikki: So sorry to hear you're sick again - I hope you'll soon feel lots better :getwell:

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

I was a bit glum today when my DH said he needs to lose 10-20 lbs. I asked how much he weighs and he told me 187! Thats 2 lbs. less than I weigh and he's 5'11"! He's being very strict with what he's eating so maybe that will rub off on me a bit. It's a bit disheartening though to know that I weigh more than he does. He has no idea what I weigh - I've always kept it a "State Secret"! :ziplip: :lol:. I read something interesting today. Whenever you feel like snacking say HALT. It stands for "are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired?"
I've found that it's nearly always that I'm "Tired" :tired:. I'm going to concentrate on getting more (and better quality) sleep.

Oh girls life is sure crazy sometimes. Yesterday my current director called me in and offered me a pkg. that was equal to the company I have been offered a job at and I would still have my 5 weeks vacation next Sept. Oh BOY now this is a tougher thing to decide should I go or stay? She also spoke of the office issues and said they will work with me on them. They don't want to lose me and have shown this by taking this step. It is a real nice offer I must say and I need to decide ASAP due to the other job offer. It wouldn't be fair to hold them up any longer so by the end of today I hope to of figured out what I should do. At least I know my current caseload and am happy with that, most of my coworkers are nice should I really let someone run me out because of their actions? Then there is the 90 days with no benefits, cobra ins. thats going to not fit all so nicely in my budget? If I stay I need to buck up and not let the office stuff get to me so easily. Maybe on those days just get out of the office? Which I can do. The new office was nicely located and did drop off about 5 hrs a wk off my hrs. But I have to admit losing the vac. is big and my trip to HA will wipe me out for the year with nothing left over. Wow I didn't think a non for profit would do this its a surprise to me. Well at any rate lots of thinking going on does that burn cals. The scale doesn't show it. I did have a half of order of chinese yesterday shared it with the SIL.
Marie hope you feel better soon it lots of yogurt to fight off any yeast infection growth.
Judy are those dumplings fish ones? Never heard of them before. Good exercising for you congrats. Mine was running around the whole house like a mad woman with my vac. cleaning and doing laundry I had a sweat I tell yah.
Penny I was lucky that cold left quickly thank goodness no time for that this week. Its crazy enough just using my brain to think about life changes and what should I do is the grass really greener or should I work on making changes and enjoy the clients I currently have. With the extra vac. I could shorten my own work weeks????? Oh this is charming but not fun and not what I expected thats for sure. Yesterday morning I had a plan and it wasn't a bad one but would have changes and some wouldn't be so easy either. Cobra ins. is around 800.00 a month defeats my inc. in pay for the first year.
I wish someone could just say this is what you should do and I would be sure it was the best choice. Well girls I am off to put my face on and go try to figure this thing out. I want to meet with the director again today and ask some more questions about how things in the future will be handled if I stay. If I get the right feeling and answers and feel she is being honest the 5 wks vac. and equal benefits might make me stay.

Carol - Boy you have a tough choice to make! It sounds like you are leaning towards your current job, IF they can do something about the work atmosphere. If the problem didn't exist, would you still be looking for a new job? Your employer would need to give you a definite answer as to exactly how they are going to handle the problem with your co-worker. The best is to go with your "gut" feeling on this. Maybe writing the pros and cons down on paper would help you make your decision. Wishing you good luck :goodluck:

Oh Penny you are right on the mark and that was what I addressed. The funds weren't as important as addressing some of my other concerns which meant alot more to me. I reached deep and had it all ready. Asked for a meeting with the director and we talked til I felt the comfort level that she would do her best and I would in the future write up my concerns so HR could address them as needed to make changes that were needed. We also are going to have some overall office changes so that future retention might be better and less searching for new jobs unless there a higher position etc. Which that wasn't my real reason to leave the company. My feelings are that I made the right decision. When I called the girl whom hired me to give her the news she was delighted for me which surprised me. Then asked me to hold on while she went to talk in a private area. She said I am so glad you changed your mind I am leaving as of friday and wouldn't of been your boss as you though when I hired you. A job opportunity came my way to write grants etc. this company can be very hard in many ways to work for. I then knew for sure that I had made the right move. I know it won't be perfect but my director said anytime you feel I am not doing enough to straighten things out you go above me and thats okay. She was very pleased that I am staying along with most of my coworkers they had collected funds and planned a lunchoen. Even the gal whom I have had the issues with came up to me without anyone around and said she was pleased I was staying and that my people need me and all love me. I just said thank you for saying that and smiled. No trust there and not now or ever. But it was a nice gesture. In the future I hope to help the dept. mtg. work on making it a better place to work and together with open talks etc. I think this can happen. She proved it yesterday when we looked at some office equipment that would help with privacy for everyone etc. Some things they were unaware of being an issue and now they know I had nothing to lose only to gain so I was in a good position to ask for changes to happen. So girls I hope to have a better work environment and more respect too. As I told them its hard to put up with this on a daily basis its not my caseload work or deadlines its the junk that shouldn't even be an issue to begin with. My families that I had already told were very happy to say the least. Having the lovely things they said to me made it all better. What a stressful two weeks or so but no its over and I am looking forward. So as you all said sometimes the grass isn't always greener on the other side but I will keep that part under wraps at work. Good things came out of this crazy adventure of stress. NOW I am all packed up and off to camp the hubby and my friends husband will go up and setup camp after work us girls will come up and it will all be done we will eat, relax, kayak and have a super weekend stress free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! Thanks for all of your support. I am taking some healthy foods and Bear too this time to camp. Oh stories to follow its his first trip. Next friday I will take a vacation day cause now I can and I am going to one of my favorite shops which is going out of business. Sad but I can at least start my christmas shopping. Also get ready for our garage sale I need to clean out a clean sweep. Yesterdays cals weren't bad but I did have pasta for dinner and it was later at night. I also enjoyed a maple walnut ice cream with a couple of guys on my caseload. It was the evening I had set up to tell them I was going instead we laughed and shared some time together. Have a great weekend and I will be relaxing on the water ways!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stress can make us crazy, gain wt. and darn right miserable too! I feel light a heavy truck has been lifted off of me. The extra benefit was as my friend said a token for all I have been through and I am keeping that.

Wow, Carol, what a roller coaster this has been for you! There's always the risk of jumping out of the frying pan into the fire when you switch employers. But it seems like it's all worked out in the end, and maybe all of your current coworkers will benefit from the changes you were promised. And congratulations on the financial package :woohoo: After all this, you and Bear will have a fun time out in the woods. He should have lots of opportunities for mischief :devil:.

Penny, I laughed when I read about your highly classified state secret! You don't mind sharing your weight on this website, but God forbid that the hubby should know! Women are funny, aren't we? Don't be too annoyed if he loses weight faster than you do. That drove me crazy about my ex, although I knew that hormones and muscles were a big difference.

Nikki, what are we going to do with you? I wish I could wave a magic wand and give you a week at the beach, just to lay back and destress. I hope you're feeling better soon.

Marie, I hope that all the toes in your household are healing up, and you can get back to your normal activity level.

I was on program yesterday. So far today I've had sliced ham and cabbage for b'fast :dizzy:, smoked tofu for AM snack, and salad with chicken for lunch. Once again I didn't work out this morning. I plan to use the fitness center after work today. I'm sure that my sleep schedule will have adjusted by Monday. I'm not going to worry about it too much. I feel blissfully lighter, so the pumping up the veggies (and the strict lack of refined sugar) is working. I hope that a weight-loss whoosh happens soon--nothing's more motivating than that!

judy

Happy weekend all, it has been a lousy week. Actually I used a 4 letter word to describe it most of the week. My toe is healing fine but exercise has been difficult. Yesterday I decided that it was weekend and went swimming. I decided weekend was 4:00 on Friday afternoon - the dr. wasn't really clear about when "weekend" was so I did my interpretation. I walked the doggies for about a 1/2 mile this morning, but Blizzard is too sick to tak further. Her foot is so-so but she's still very sick from the binge eating. That damn bag of treats has cost me upwards of $300 in vet bills and she's still very sick. Keep her in your thoughts. I'm hoping there won't be any major setbacks over the weekend as the ER vet is too expensive. I need to go to the store and decided to bring both pups with as Bliz can't be left alone. Her stomach's so screwed up that she's eating grass to induce vomitting which is in turn dehydrating her. So she's under constant watch. She spent the day in my office yesterday. Funny story though, I took her remote control collar off so she can't go outside without me - but the little devil figured out how to get out with Kody. If she follows close enough she can sneak under the door before it closes. Eeeks, they're driving me nuts.

Carol, I think you made the right decision. IT was good you had bargaining power and that vacation is majorly important. Keep your guard up with the bad co-worker and don't give any ammunition. And when the atmosphere is bad, definitely vacate and/or let your director know why you are vacating for a few hours.

Nikki, I hope you start feeling better. I hate when my asthma gets riled and bronchitis only makes it worse.

Judy, I'd hate having a glue trap in my kitchen. Icky, yucky. I'd be spineless too. I did think of you at the vet on Wednesday. A young boy and his mom were there with their white mouse (who has an infection and is now on antibiotics). I thought, yeah Judy would be spendy $$$ to save the buggar. :)

Penny, the state secret - I told my hubby after I lost a bit what I'd started at. It is the state secret. I weight about 25 pounds less then DH and I'd better watch it or I won't for long. Eating on my part and dieting on his. So I need to buckle down but I'm just still struggling.

Time to walk on the treadmill a bit. 1/2 mile is nothing and I need more or I'll lose control over the exercising as well as the eating.
Marie

Carol - I hope you're having a fun time on your camping trip. I'm sure it's much more relaxing now that your work situation has been resolved.

Judy - I think you'll soon get the "whoosh" you're looking for. You've been making some good food choices and eating lots of veggies. You've reminded me to get some cabbage. I enjoy cabbage but forget to buy it. I'm cutting out the refined carbs even further and now I'm eating dried apricots (unsulphured) and dry roasted unsalted peanuts (very small amount) for snacks. These seem to keep my hunger at bay a lot longer than refined carbs with the same amount of calories.

Marie - I'm sorry to hear that Blizzie is still not feeling well. I hope she gets over her 'overindulgence' soon. It's funny how she sneaks out with Kody - smart dog! I hope next week goes better for you.

Nikki - I hope you're feeling ok.

I think I'm due for a "whoosh" soon too. I've been doing more exercise and cutting out refined carbs. I think I sabbotaged myself by wanting to lose a lot before my trip next month. I've decided not to set any short-term goals for a while and just see if I can lose when I don't give myself ultimatums all the time. At least I can say I'm nearly 40 lbs. lighter than the last time I flew home!

Marie, I'm glad your feeling better, but I am sorry about poor Blizzie! You must be very worried. I hope she's feeling better soon. And that this coming week is a good one for both of you:angel:

Penny, I love cabbage. when I was a kid, I hated it, but that's because it was one of the many veggies that we cooked too long, until they were mushy and bitter. Wow, you will get some compliments, I'm sure, when you get home and show off your weight-loss progress :carrot:.

I've been eating on program, and feeling energized. Yesterday I did weights and cardio for 40 minutes, and today I did a round on the cardio machines for 45 minutes. I'm getting close to my "official" weight of 223--I want to be there in the next few days. I just committed to going to a friend's wedding in Chicago next month, and the long blue dress I think I'll wear will look so much better if I knock off another 5-6 pounds. Not to mention how much more comfortable I'd be in the blue shoes with stack heels I should wear with it. I am the queen of sensible shoes, but every now and again I have to break down and wear something that's not flat :).

This has been a good weekend. A few chores and errands, but lots of time to read and catch up on movies. Come fall, I'll be working and traveling more weekends, so I'm trying to get the most out of this little lull.

Nikki and Carol, I hope you're doing well.

judy

Ah, the end of the weekend. :( So sad...

Blizzie is doing better again today. We're up to 50 hours without vomitting so that's major progress. She's drinking and eating (and pooping which made me quite happy - I know - gross). I'd say she's at about 75% recovered. I gave her her remote collar back so she can go in and out to her hearts content. She's no longer eating the grass to induce the vomitting so I can trust her. It's been a much better day since I'm not a doggie slave. :)

I decided on a new diet routine. I'm going to aim for a a goal of 1400-1500 calories and have unlimited lo-cal fruit and veges. Since I've been the munchie monster, since I started I've been munching on fruits (fresh strawberries from the garden and melons). I'm hoping that will get me on track. I once read a quote that said no one got fat on fruits and veges. At least I'm making better snacking choices.

I threw out the last day of the antibiotic. Got the dreaded yeast infection - at least the stuffs OTC now. I just couldn't handle taking another day of it. I'm so against antibiotics except when desparately needed. As this was preventative, I figured good enough - I'm taking great care of the toe and it looks very healthy (although it's turning black and blue now).

Judy, I'd like to lose 5-6 pounds by Oct. 20th. I made an end of the season hair appointment at the nicest spa in my dorky town. Hair cut and color weaving. I figure that by then swimming will be done and I'll be in the winter mode. So a full hair makeover. So my goal is to look a bit better with the hair. You go for the blue dress and we'll do this together.

Penny, you're going to wow your family. You are doing so great.

Cabbage - yuck. 'nuf said. :)

TTYtomorrow.
Marie

Marie what is color weaving? THought I'd better ask that first before I forget I do foils it it the same??? Oh I must of lost that info. in my past! Hope Blizzie is doing better still. Bear and your doggie should get together last night I got home and then it was getting late and I couldn't find him anywhere! I started to really freak out as he is my buddy. I called him my SIL called him finally I thought if anything happens to him! Then the hubbie must of know I wouldn't go to bed without searching for him. So he got ready to go look and it was dark out after 9 well when I came home he must of jumped into my car when I got out and I didn't see him he was awaiting a ride in the front seat saying to me your not going again without me.Funny guy but he scared me so. He only did a little kayaking with me he climbed to the end of my boat and drank some lake water. We have pictures cute huh? Well at any rate I am with all of you on moving lbs off this body and journaling my foods is helping except not this weekend. Overall I didn't do bad and got on the scale this morning .5 gone. I kayaked quite a bit and the hubby also used a smaller one and felt comfortable and when he's up to it this is something we can enjoy together cool I thought. He's not comfortable in mine but we used a smaller rig and it worked out well needs a higher seat for his back is all. We are planning a trip up north to kayak with friends for Sept. color of the trees will be great. I need to purchase him one for christmas. Penny good for you nice to see a loss and a whoosh would even be a better sight send one my way too. Judy that blue dress is a must with the shoes aim high and you will do it I know it. Nikki hope your doing well as the rest of the bunch! Together we can be healthier and feel better. Marie you are right I think it was you that said leave the office for a few hrs. if it gets crazy and thats a good idea. Today I am off to battle for better drivers for my client she has so many transportation issues. So the red flags are up and a big meeting of the minds today at 1:30. Then off to another one at 3:00 a day of busyness. Good for staying out of other stuff. I had a good breakfast and have to go pack a healthy lunch with tuna, salad, croutons, grapes. I am up for trying to have 3 meatless meals a week. I want to try it and be creative.... Let yah know how it goes.

I hope you ladies don't mind if I join your group. I've been posting on the 199 race thread but it seems like no one is there anymore.
I've been diagnosed with PCOS about 6 yrs ago, been trying to loose the weight ever since - the usual ups and downs I'm sure we're all familiar with.
Got about 97lbs to go, still trying to get to my goal weight of 143lbs - or whenever I feel comfortable with my body.
I really need the support and checking in daily will help me stay on track :)

Welcome JB! :welcome2: By the way, what is your name? You are more than welcome to join our thread. The support I've found here has really helped me on my weight loss journey. Yes, we've all had our ups and downs but we never give up. Wishing you every success! :)

Judy - I'm glad you had a relaxing weekend at home. It must be hard when you have to travel away from home and don't get to come back for the weekends. I haven't changed my ticker lately either as I had gained a few pounds. I'm hoping that by Friday it will be correct (or even a bit lower, with a bit of luck :crossed:). Good luck on your goal to wear those stacked heels!

Carol - That must have been a bit scary thinking you'd lost Bear. Sounds like he didn't want to let you go anywhere without him again! I'm glad your DH was able to go kayking with you. It sounds like you had a really fun time.

Marie - I'm glad Blizzie is doing better. I hope your toe is healing well too and that your yeast infection goes away quickly. I get that problem too whenever I go on antibiotics :(. I'm also eating more fruit for snacks and it seems to be working. I'm hoping that my ticker will be "true" on Friday or maybe even a bit lower. I'm really enjoying the dried apricots for snacks because they are so chewy. They don't have any added sugar, so they're not very sweet. They are full of vitamin A (beta carotene) and all sorts of other good stuff. The peanuts are also very filling (even just one tablespoon full). Your hair makeover sounds like fun - you'll have to post a picture when you get it done.

Nikki - I hope you feel better :getwell:

Jigglybits, we're a small group, but we definitely stay together. Please join us. Did the diagnosis and weight go hand in hand. I know nothing about it.

Carol, enjoy the big meeting at 1:30. :) I know what you mean about being scared when the doggies are missing. My dogs are my lifeline. I used to be very self-centered and they taught me not to be. One would think marriage or my kids would have done that, but it was my dogs. I love them so unconditionally and more important, they love me unconditionally. People have motives and doggies don't. They just want love. I wouldn't be who I am if it weren't for them. So I definitely get worrying about them.

Blizzard is definitely on the mend. We walked again this morning. Kody got spoiled by all the people food and now won't eat doggie food. I bet he's a bit hungry this morning as I didn't give in and give him whatever he wanted. Now that he's healed, I won't be such a pushover.

Yesterday's stats: 1500 cals plus the fruit and veges (which this maybe working as I have grapes on my desk instead of the biscotti that's in the office). I walked 1.5 miles and swam 1/2 mile yesterday.

My yellow jeep wouldn't start today. :( so I have the new Darth Jeep (the big black one). This afternoon I'll take the front roofs off so I can enjoy the 82 degree day.

Carol, hair weaving is the foil with multiples of colors. It should be cool - but I have to make it there first. As I have about 1" of roots, I don't know. The color isn't too off but I see it.

Penny, I got rid of my tracker and apparently everyone elses as none show anymore. I figure I know what's going on with my weight and that's good enough. I can't do the peanuts as they're killers although I just read an article this morning that a professor in North Carolina has found an enzyme that neutralizes the allergen 100%. How cool would that be??? AT&T is applying for the patent, then human testing will begin. for now they've used the enzyme with human serums and had 100% success. :)
Hope everyone else has a great Monday.
Marie

Okay, I hope that 3FC leaves this link here. This humor column was just so funny. It starts with "The first day of any health regimen is always the hardest for me, because by the second day I've given up." I couldn't resist reading the rest of it. :)

http://www.creators.com/lifestylefea...althy-day.html

I really hope it will stay it's too funny.
Marie

:lol: That was so funny Marie - thanks for sharing! I especially liked this bit:

Stomach: We've got lots of room down here for bacon, but we cannot take any more oatmeal at this time.

Sometimes I think my body is plotting against me too!

Thanks for the welcome Penny & Marie, I'm Emma :D
The weight has been piling on since I got my period back in 6th grade. I've always been big ever since, hormones going crazy etc and then PCOS.
It’s my 3rd day back on track and I'm already getting compliments, the receptionist said that my face looks a lot thinner this morning :)

Marie, thanks for the link that’s really funny! I can relate, especially later in the day when I come home from work, that’s when I usually get my exercise done. My body wants to lay down on the couch and watch TV and that conversation starts when I decide to get up and get on the treadmill.

Hope everyone has a great day :)

Emma well welcome and hope you will continue here its small but we are supportive in all areas of each others needs. I am not familiar with what you haveher so thanks for explaining. Eat healthy and keep moving!
Marie and Penny oh little bear sure did scare me the little brat. The grandkids will help wear him out today he still has so much energy. Yesterday I heard the guy whom hired me for the other job was pretty disappointed I felt bad. But that company isn't quite as solid as mine right now in our area it could of meant lots of extra hrs. and mind boggling info. to get used to. Well not to bad on cals 1500 and that was due to a BLT for dinner. I cook the bacon on paper towels in the mic. l ittle healthier.. So much for meatless last night.
At least I was careful and counted. I read an article that said people whom track their intakes in some manner tend to keep off their wt. Well I agree with that as long as you don't stop doing it then it puts it back on rather quickly. I am working on my intakes and counting again if nothing else I feel more in control of changes and knowing whats up. GOTTA HAVE BREAKFAST AND MAKE LUNCH.

Hi everyone-

Welcome JB

Sorry I have not been around the last week. I had a straight out pity party this week. Ate whatever I wanted not good I know. I still dont have my breathing under control. I finished taking the antibiotics for the bronchitis and dont feel like I'm sick. Yet, I still cant breath right. My doctor is away until next week. If I dont wind up in the ER before I will go see him next week. I can feel I need an inhaler or something. This is all new I never had asthma before. Anyway for the rest of the month I decided to eat healthy and reasonable but not do Atkins. In september I will reevaluate f I think I need to go back on Atkins or not.

Hi friends!

I'm Jennelle and also used to be on the Chicks racing to 199 group but hadn't been there in over a month.

Just went back to it today and see that it's not really active anymore so thought I'd see if I can join you all. :)

A little about me, I'm 51 [and it still hurts to admit that! ;)] ...

I'm soon to be divorced and have 2 kids who are grown and on their own and also have 6 grandkids and one very spoiled kitty.

I basically started losing around the first part of the year and so far I've done pretty good though I have had my ups and downs.

Today I weighed 208 which I have gotten to before but then had gained about 7 pounds back [ugh!]

This time at 208 I am bound and determined to get past this weight and realized that I really "need" a support group in order to do it. :)

Love,

Jennelle

Welcome to the group Jenelle :)

Hi, Emma and Jenelle, and welcome to our thread! :welcome3:. I'm looking forward to getting to know you, and will appreciate your support.

Nikki, I'm sorry to hear that you're still struggling. Is there an urgent care clinic or some other place you can visit? Next week seems like a long time to wait for your doctor. This seems to call for more than chicken soup...

Carol, Bear really gave you guys a scare! He probably has no idea of how panicked you were.

Penny, I'm glad I'm not the only one who is reluctant to change my ticker :sorry:. I weigh myself several times a week, and in theory I change my ticker to reflect the weekend's weight, or if just really excited about a loss. I am having tremendous cravings right now, so I think TOM is around the corner. I am not going to cave in, and will have my scheduled snack instead of the baked potato chips I'm really wanting. I don't need willpower dust, I just need to remember that I'd like to see the number 219 by September 21...

Marie, that column was a hoot, thanks :lol:

Yesterday went by in a flash. I didn't work out, but I ate on program most of the day. I went to a reception and had a wine spritzer and a bit of chicken on skewers and some yummy corn pudding thing, then met a friend for another glass of wine, and we shared some grilled fish (it was an Ethiopian place, so there wasn't much in the way of an appetizer menu). Today I did 45 minutes of cardio, had celery, ham and kefir for lunch, a salad with hard-boiled egg for lunch, and am about to have a cup of homemade veggie soup for a snack. I'm still working on not being jittery in my apartment, waiting for a mouse to jump out and say "Boo" :mouse:. I gave myself a vicious cut on my finger on Saturday, because I'm just being weird and jumpy. I will ask for the exterminator to look around again on Thursday, then I will tell myself that this whole ordeal is in the past.

See you tomorrow--judy

Judy, you are so funny. Not the cut, but that you cut yourself because you were scared of the mouse??? Even I'm not that bad and I'm a wimp. But you do make me smile. :) Good job being on track. The celery would be yucky, but the rest sounded good.

Emma, thanks for explaining the PCOS a little. Just keep fighting the battle and eventually you'll win. But it a lifetime war. We're in this together. To win the I don't want to exercise battle after work, I switched to before work. Now, as the other ladies can attest, I'm obsessive about exercising because it give me the endorphines (sp?) to handle the day. I'm lost without exercising in the morning. I mad ethe switch about 1.5 years ago and it was the best thing I EVER did. Better than even losing the 40 pounds. But I do remember having that battle with the body in the beginning. A wise 3FC member said to me about morning exercise "it's not meant to be fun". When I looked at it that way, I wont the battle. Now after work when I exercise it's always the fun stuff - biking, swimming, etc. Mornings are the "exercise" and aftenoons are the "fun".

Jennelle, thanks for joining us. Wow you have a lot going on. Sorry about the divorce (unless you're happy about it then, congratulations). 6 grandkids??? I have one and my DS just moved to San Diego and DGS will be moving permanently there in December. :(

Carol, we had a candidate that stayed with his current employer leaving us in the lurch so I understand the man's disappointment. The equal, but 2nd chosen on the list, had received his no thanks letter. He would have been very good. When we contacted him, he'd just accepted a position the day before. Not telling that to make you feel bad, just that it's awkward no matter what side you're on. They'll survive but at least you know you'd really been wanted. That's awesome for an ego.

Nikki, pity parties are allowed. Judy's right you need to go to a doctor. Asthma is nothing to sneeze at (or cough for that matter). When my asthma isn't controlled by the daily meds and rescue inhaler the only thing that wil do it is prednisone. I HATE the stuff as I become a raving lunatic on it, but breathing is important. Re-read that phrase - breathing is important so get on the ball and get to the dr. asap.

Penny, my son and I enjoyed that article together. I bookmarked the man's column as his humor is my type. I also liked that perhaps we're soft around the middle because the oatmeal is still down there. :D I do like oatmeal, but I like them best in oatmeal raisin cookie form. Yep, I'll be a life long member of the dieting club as that like will never change.

Okay, I should work.

Yesterday's stats: :( about 2100 cals. :( but I did walk 1.5 miles. Then zoned out for the after work time so no swimming. Today, much better on track.

Oh, and my donkey dogs took a giant step backwards and are puking and stuff again. They keep eating grass which upsets their stomachs. Right now they're confined to the house - no grass (or weed :D ) in my house so that should help.
Marie

Welcome Janelle! :welcome2: We've already got something in common - I weighed 208 when I was 51! I rapidly gained more weight when menopause hit and ended up at 225. I'm now 57 (58 next Saturday) and I didn't start losing till I was 55. It's taken me almost 3 years to lose about 40 lbs., but I've never gained back more than a couple of pounds. Just goes to show, it's never too late! Sorry to hear you're going through a divorce - it's a hard row to hoe no matter what the reason. I was on the "Racing to 199" thread a couple of years ago and found lots of support there. I've mainly been on this thread since then. The ladies here are great and very supportive.

Emma - It's nice that the receptionist paid you the compliment. It's always good for our egos when we get affirmation from others who notice our progress.

Judy - I bet that Ethiopian food was yummy. You're very strong willed to avoid temptation in such an exotic eatery. You're doing great staying on plan. I hope your finger heals quickly.

Carol - It keeps me on track too when I journal my food. I've been experimenting by just doing some "mental math" and adding up my calories throughout the day and it seems to be working so far as I'm hoping to report a loss on Friday (if the fat doesn't find it's way back to me by then :dizzy:)

Nikki - Take Marie's advice about the asthma and see someone at the urgent care if you feel worse.

Marie - Sorry to hear your dogs are barfing again. It's bad enough when our cats do that with their hair balls and they are a LOT smaller than your big guys!

I was invited to lunch today by a girlfriend to celebrate my birthday. I had chicken and lettuce wraps and it was a very good substitute for Mu-Shu (my favorite) which comes with pancakes instead of the lettuce cups. My birthday isn't till Saturday but my DH and I may be going to the coast if the weather holds up. I've got a bit of an MSG headache, but that always happens when I have chinese food. They always say there's no MSG added, but I don't believe them!

Thanks for the welcome Carol, Judy and Nikki :hug:

Nikki - I hope you feel better soon :(

Jennelle - Welcome! a new comer like me, hope we can encourage eachother to reach our goals, it seems like a very supportive group :)

Judy - omg, that scary, hope they're all gone for good. You're doing okay on your diet & exercise, keep it up!

Marie - I am hoping to win this war, I'm sick of taking bcps all the time!. Sorry to hear about your dogs, I hope they get better soon. Never know dogs could get sick from eating grass - are you sure they're dogs not goats? lol j/k!

Penny - An early happy birthday to you! I love chinese but its all MSG and deep-fried to death. Sweet 'n Sour chicken ..yumm!

I'm did okay yesterday, bfast was toast and sf jelly, salad for lunch, stir fried chicken and some potatos for dinner, plenty of green tea and water - exercise was another video. Will do tae bo video today, looking forward to that :)

~Emma

Welcome Jenelle hope you and Emma will both enjoy the support, laughs and good nature of the folks on this site. From lifestyle changes, healthy info., dogs, cats, soap making ideas, recipes and friendship we got it all and are very lucky to have each other. So join in and we will spread our thoughts and info. this has been a wonderful site for me hope its what your looking for too.
Well a whoosh came through on that little white box this morning and I am getting close to my wt. I lost earlier on. I guess thats a real good thing and I feel great about it. I took off 1.5lbs since the last ck. The scale is helping me as I seem to think more about making positive life changes not dieting cause that ends normally for most of us when we reach our goal I am trying to think more on life changes forever thing. Maybe if I drum it in my head I will get it right this time around. I had a goal by the end of the month and now I am real close so I can do it and then some!!! I need to stay motivated thats for sure I am starting to walk at work 20 min. down to the main office and back. Its not a straight full 20 as I stop and get mail talk to folks do business etc. I found out yesterday that one of our top notch girls from another dept is going to be the director of the program the job I turned down in that office. If I had known the outcome might of been a bit different but I am pleased so far with my choice. My director said to me yesterday I hope if I ever decide to leave as many folks will be upset as they were for you it was quite a thing. It made me feel good that people were saying what and then taking action to see if I would stay. I guess it helps me realize that what I do is important and I have respect of many others regardless of the petty office mate at times.
Yesterday I made some jalpeno pasta oh so good! Today its yellow tomatoes and little mozz. balls with dressing for lunch and need to add in some fruit. Peaches have been really great here lately.
Nikki hope your on a mends and by all means go to the doc's if you get worse. Not fun at all!!! THINKING OF YOU!!
Penny we need to share some soap making ideas soon christmas is coming and I would like a jump start this year with that in mind.
Marie oh puppies being sick isn't good. The hair weaving is what I get too but I just called it foils and highlights what do I know??? I color mine in between just the roots and pull it through the last 5 min or so and I get 3 months out of it. Soon to be done at the salon in Sept.
Judy would you like one more mouse or maybe some extras we have had many droppings left in our office. OH!!! Not so nice I don't like them either seems awful early for them to be checking out their winter headquarters? Well take care everyone and hope I didn't miss anyone here? I am off to make some flaxseed toast and have some coffee. Think I will visit the health food store today.

Good morning everyone, I'm writing early as I'm am soaking my toe as per dr. instructions and the computer was on. Thought, might as well.

Doggies are doing better. I'm locking them in the house all day the rest of the week. Emma, I call them donkeys but goats would be ok. They're eating the grass because the stole a 3 pound bag of chicken jerky dog treats and ate it all. Tried to kill themselves. The vet bill was not nice last week. That Costco treat was not $12 more like $300 now. Doggies eat grass to make themselves vomit if they're stomachs are upset. So I'm keeping them in a controlled environment so their stomachs start to heal.

Penny, I hope the weather holds up. The coast is so beautiful in our fair state and would be a great birthday. We were at a southern coast town (can't remember the name right off) and the place had sugar free fudge that was too good to describe. I'd love to get more as it was lo-cal too. That was about 3 years ago.

Carol, no looking back on the job decisions. Your place now knows that you won't tolerate it and they want you. It was a good decision.

Aw, I must get ready for work. Bummer. Talk to you later.

Oh yesterday's stats: 1700 cals - still too high and I walked 1.5 miles and swam .5 miles.

Nikki, Janelle and Judy, hope you doing great.
Marie

Wow, this day flew by--I started cleaning my office this afternoon, I was wasting too much time looking for papers and files. I needed to start new homes for new projects, otherwise the stuff just kept getting piled and pushed around from one spot to another and driving me bonkers. I should be more productive the rest of the week :D. I also got caught up in making logistics for another work trip to New Orleans and for the wedding in Chicago next month. I have complicated trip to Texas in October--I think I'll let travel agent figure that one out. These travel websites are great, but trying to get the best deals on the right days and times can make your eyes cross :dizzy:.

I've been eating on program, my usual pattern of veggies at every meal and with a little protein for snacks. Lox were on sale at the grocery store, so I had some in my salad today along with some feta cheese and capers. Hmm, not bad, if you like fish (and I do). I think that dinner will be chicken and spaghetti squash. I only had time for a short cardio workout this morning, so I want to get home to hit the fitness center for half an hour or more.

I need to run and catch my bus, so no personals, except: atta girl, Carol! :cheer: I can't eat much less, so my scale will get with the program any day now. As the Borg say on Star Trek, "Resistance is futile!"

Hope everyone else has a nice evening.

judy

Hi ladies-

I just wanted to update you all. I went to the doctor covering my doctor yesterday . I don't have asthma but I have a restrictive lung disease they think. I have to go for a high resolution cat scan tomorrow of my lungs to find out what is going on. I stll can't breathe riht but I got an inhaler to use every 6 hours as needed. It helps for about an hour then it is back to wheezing. I'm kind of freaking out about what this is so my diet is on hold for now.I either dont feel like eating or eat crap food.

Hope you are all well
Nikki

Oh Nikki, I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you'll soon get well. :hug:

Judy - You have some interesting trips coming up. I've heard that New Orleans is making a bit of a comeback after the disaster. It's funny, I bought some Lox today too and I haven't bought it for about a year! I like it on some pumpernickel bread with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Marie - I'm glad to hear your pups are doing better and that your toe is healing. I'm amazed you can still do so much walking after your toe surgery. You are an Iron Woman!

Carol - I'm going to be making mostly lavender soaps and maybe some cucumber soaps for this year's bazaar fund raiser as they seem to be the most popular ones. The new packaging I came up with was very well received last year. I made a nice label on my computer with some graphics I found on the web. I printed them and cut them out and wrapped the soap (like a band). I used to wrap them in plastic wrap and then stick a label on but this way you can smell them better and they look more professional.

Emma - Thanks for the early birthday wishes :). It sounds like you are back on track eating-wise and that tae bo is quite a workout. I've seen the guy on the TV ads and it looks like a good cardio workout. I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to exercise - I work out at Curves 3x a week and do about 20 min. a day on the treadmill and 1/2 hour of yoga most days.

Janelle - I hope you had a good day.

Penny soaps sound great thanks for the idea the lavendar is always a favorite I think. Currently I am using an almond bar that I purchased at a gift shop. I'm looking forward to making some new labels as well and your idea is great less work and looks nice. Thanks keep up the good work on your healthy eating it will pay off.
Marie poor puppies so naughty and in the end cost you a bundle. I tell yah the treats can cause issues SIL gave Bear some natural made treats with molasses in them well poor Bear couln't help having to go and made a mess Dad was upset rtc. No more of those in this house and SIL was told so. Gotta laugh what else can yah do? Hope their all feeling better soon.
Nikki wow you poor thing I wish you were near and I could drop you off some soup. I am sure glad you went to the doctors that is scary better do everything they tell yah relax and hope your mending quickly keep us informed. Make sure you drink alot don't worry about cals now.
Judy sounds like your really busy but making progress thats a plus. The scale was the same today but thats okay no miracles needed just progress slow is okay and I feel more inn control. Less emotional stress though I hAVe a few pressing things at work their work related and not petty things thats so much better.
Marie your right and I feel it was a good choice for me. Vac. day on fri. going to clean out and have a garage sale with my girls this weekend. Hope we do good.
Cals were 1500 for yesterday. I am now toasting a flaxseed bread for breakfast had it this a.m. with poached eggs oh so good. I am journaling daily and I feel its helping me, wt, exercise and water intake is on my chart.

Carol ~ I can relate to that. Its really hard to find a job where you are satisfied that you are actually doing something thats worth it. I was having same issues until they changed my boss. The new one really appreciates what I'm doing and is always trying to help me out. A simple thank you is sometimes all it takes to make me happy :)

Marie ~ Thanks for the info on the doggies. I never knew that they ate grass to make themselves throw up. Hope your toe gets better.

Judy ~ Sound like my desk, at one point it was so messy that my cube-mate cleaned it up for me while I was away in a meeting :o . I love feta cheese in my salads too, I also like ff parmesan in there sometimes.

Nikki ~ you're in our thoughts. I hope you feel better soon, get plenty of rest and let us know what the test results are please.

Penny ~ I actually didn't get the chance to do the tae bo workout yesterday. I worked late and by the time I got home I was really tired. I'm hoping to do it today.

Penny & Carol ~ the soap making sounds interesting! I love scents like magnolia and raspberries. never made soap before though!.

Food was okay yesterday, didn't get the chance to exercise, had to work late so got home and went straight to bed, was really tired. I'm hoping to get a whole hour in today, I've invited a friend over for the workout so will see how it goes :D

Morning everyone, today starts the day of a long report fixing stuff with the Dept of Ed. I knew it was coming for about 6 weeks and today it starts. :( Not a good thing.

I walked with the doggies this morning. We're up to 4 meals straight that they're eating and not vomiting. We're keeping them confined inside except when we're outside in the fenced area with them. By this weekend I'll start giving them a bit more freedome. I also gave them a chicken jerky treat yesterday. They still love 'em, the doofy doggies.

Yesterday's stats - I haven't figured it out but I'm thinking not so great. :( I'm getting sucked into the self talk of that having something isn't a big deal. I really wish I could catch that solid determination I had for a year. I'll keep looking through my hiding spots for my will power.

Nikki, you're in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you heal soon and I'm relieved you went to the dr.

Carol, I'd rather work than do a garage sale. The one time I did it was miserable and all for 66 bucks. Never again, I donate to goodwill. Much easier and I like tax deductions. :)

Emma, I hope you get your exercise in today. I agree with the positive thanks is a great motivator. too bad most bosses don't know that. Mine does and I told her she's the best boss I've ever had.

Judy, want to clean my desk??? Sounds like you're an ideal candidate for the job as you have experience. ;) Lots of trips for you again. I really don't know how you do it. I'm such a home body.

Penny, the soaps sound wonderful. My favorite scents are lilac and orange blossom is my very favorite. If you make any orange blossom, let me know and I'll buy a case of them. Of course I'd not need the pretty labels.

Ah, time to work. Icky.
Marie

Ugh, I'm out of sorts today. The management of my office building was testing the fire alarms for hours, and the blaring and ringing would start and stop until after lunchtime. I was this close to telling everyone to go home if they wanted. I still have a headache, and headaches make me cranky, and being cranky makes me want to eat...but so far so good. I'm on program today and did 40 minutes of weight training this morning. Oh, and I'm sticking with my diet log. I forgot and left "Coach" at home yesterday, but I dutifully wrote everything down on a piece of paper and formally recorded it last night.

Nikki, I am so relieved that you have seen a doctor and are taking steps to deal with the lung problem! You must be miserable. I hope you find a nice balance of comfort food that won't make you to mad at yourself when this is all over.

Emma, I used to love Tae-Bo! Somehow Billy Blanks could get me moving. I have arthritic knees, so there was only one video I could really do, and I can't find it anymore. I do Turbo Jam videos a lot, but our friend Marie hated 'em.

Carol, we are in the same boat with our scales. But I feel in control, too, even with this headache that makes me crave ice cream or something rich and heavy. It's probably also PMS...anyway, you're right, we don't need miracles, just progress. And I know what to do to make progress:carrot:. There's nothing to it but to do it. Good luck with the garage sale.

Penny, NOLA is making "a bit" of progress, but only a bit. Only about a third of the population is back, and whole communities look much as they did in the months after the storm, just covered over now with weeds. They will be marking the second anniversary of Katrina in Mississippi and Louisiana in a few weeks. It's heartbreaking, but fantastic work is going on down there, thanks to churches, nonprofits and volunteers.

Marie, here ya go: :dust:. Although maybe there's something else going on in your head these days, not leaving much space for the intense focus you seem to give to everything you do. but if you don't have the patience for introspection, here's something else: :kickbutt:.

Janelle, I hope you're doing well today.

Emma yes jobs can be trying at times thats for sure sometimes I need to remind myself I get paid in the end. The sometimes helps move me along.
Making soaps is fun and great gifts for others you feel the need to give a little something to. Fall is right around the corner and my friend and I said we would start early this year so we are gathering thoughts and ideas now. Thanks again Penny I will try the creative label idea and like it better than wrapping each soap.
My eating wasn't wonderful though it tasted really good ! I did great for breakfast and not bad for dinner but had lunch at a chinese buffet. I didn't go back for seconds stopped myself from that but I am sure the cals yesterday were off the chart for me. So I didn't even try to add them up it would of been a guessing game. Its not often we go out for lunch at work. But my friend and I were headed to the college to see some of our clients. They have a program where they stay overnight in the dorms, act like college students attending different classes and hang out, have a prom and graduate on sunday with their parents watching. So they were all having a great time and didn't know I was coming so it was fun. They all love it and didn't want to return to their group homes funny!!! What a little independence gives them all. Nice program I had 3 out of the 50 there this week. I am trying to jump back on board with my food today started off with oatmeal and flaxseed whole wheat toast. Bear went out at 4 and never came in til 6 I was ready to go out in the woods to look for him and was scared what I might find. I need to get him a little shock collar. Sounds rough but will teach him to stay within his boundaries and not get eaten by a coyotte. The girls are helping and have stuff in the sale it will help with clothes for school etc. We have furniture to sell to so it shouldn't be to bad. I live on a busy country road which heads to the beach so its traveled heavy on the weekend. We'll see how it goes. I have today off and will dig out some more things to put out if nothing else we will of cleaned out and then give to charity and write it off.
Judy coach is good for you and seems to be helping I too need to be aware of my intakes yesterdays lunch was a off day but lately the journaling helps. I had a small bowl of vanilla ice cream last night and added to it some fresh frozen berries no sugar on them. I need to get some yogurt in the house as its better for me but at least my size was small. I gave everyone else choc. syrup. They can have the cals not me. So lets go girls Marie I know you have it in you search and find it. Maybe you need a gift for yourself to work on something you want like in the past and you pay yourself didn't that work well for you? Or are you still doing it? I need to do my back exercises and with that said am going to start scheduling myself at the gym on certain afternoons after work. Sometimes just fitting it in my schedule makes it happen for me. This week I have gotten in about 20min of walking down to the main office and back. So that felt good with the stairs etc.... Every little bit helps in the end.
Janelle and Nikki hope your both doing well.
Off to get somethings done before my day is gone. I will watch my intake closely today to stay with in my cals.

Hi Everybody!

Thanks so much for the welcomes! :)

Sorry I haven't checked back on here till now but I forgot to check the instant notification on my post and have been busy and kind of forgot I needed to check back. :o

I hope everyone is doing good today ... so far my day is going pretty good.

I've got good news and some not so good news [but will definiately focus on the good! ;)]

Yesterday a.m. I woke up and weighed myself as I do every day and I weighed 204.4 which is the lowest I've been since, well ... since the year 2000!

This a.m. I weighed myself and was up a bit to 206.2 which still is less than I've been since 2000 but was disappointed to see the scales go up instead of staying the same or going the other way. *lol*


Last night I baked for a friend of mine [okay, so I really like him but for now, we're just friends] but ...

Wouldn't ya know - even though I was NOT hungry, didn't I sit there and eat 3 cookies and then one more after he left? Aaaaagh! *lol*

The only other thing I had eaten all day was a small salad with a veggie burger [Boca chicken] cut up in it so I'm hoping with that and the cookies that I didn't go over to where I gain again.

Well, gotta go - I'm 12:30 and I need to get moving and get something done around here.

Talk to ya later!

Love,

Jennelle

Carol - Don't worry about your little "splurge" it's good to go off plan now and then. You're doing great with your food choices and exercise so it will soon pay off on the scale. It must be very gratifying in your line of work to see your clients happy. They must have had a great time at college staying overnight in the dorms. What age range are your clients? I often wonder what kind of situations they may be in and how you help them out. Bear must have given you a bit of a scare again. He's getting quite adventurous - must be the "teenage years" for him! :lol: We can't let our kitties out for the same reason - those darned coyotes. One of our kitties is so small a big crow could probably carry him off!

Judy - That must have been such a pain having alarm drills all day - talk about torture! I hope they don't do it too often. Good for you sticking to your diet log. It's really sad that New Orleans still is in such bad shape, I guess they must have concentrated on fixing up the "tourist" areas and not the surrounding suburbs. I wonder if they will ever rebuild some of those places - especially the ones where they are prone to flooding.

Marie - Sorry to hear you have all that DOE stuff to do. Seems like the education system is bogged down in paperwork these days. When I went to school the Head Mistress did any necessary clerical work. There weren't any clerical staff at all and it was quite a big school. But this was back in the prehistoric times before lawsuits, etc. :lol: Here's some more willpower dust in case you need it: :dust: Don't backslide like me - it's so disheartening. No food is worth beating yourself up over. :^:

Emma - I hope you get an energy boost today :carrot:. How did your Tae Bo tape go?

Nikki - Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you and hoping you're feeling better.

I weighed in at 188 today! Yay! :dancer: I had actually gone up to 190 and didn't want to see that number on my tracker, so I've really lost 2 lbs. as I was showing 189 on my tracker. The only things I'm doing different is having dried apricots and peanuts for snacks instead of a biscotti or piece of chocolate (same calories) and I've cut out having a glass of wine or a cocktail every couple of days. I'm going to look for some other kinds of dried, unsulphured fruits as I like the chewiness better than fresh fruit sometimes. It's a bit harder to find the unsulphured kind so I'm going to check out Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck) :lol: Have a great weekend everyone!

Janelle - We just posted at the same time! I'm glad to hear everything is going so well for you - congratulations on the loss! :cheer: The gain on the scale today must be water weight as it's hard to actually gain that much so quickly without eating about 7,000 extra calories! Here's some willpower dust to keep the cookie monster at bay :dust:

I can't wait to head home today! I got a lot of work done at the office, but it was primarily tedious work with lists and I thought it would never end. But it did...at least for now. I am in a mood to see a movie, but I'm also in the mood to much (TOM has officially started) so I will just head home where I don't have nacho chips, giant boxes or candy or hot buttered popcorn around to tempt me. I may still go to the theater over the weekend--prepared with my own safe snacks :snooty:.

Janelle, congrats on seeing a new, low number on the scale:congrat:. Does "liking" someone a lot help burn calories? But no wonder you ate too many cookies. Are you sure that you weren't hungry? You were probably starving by the end of the day.

Hey, Penny, hooray for you, too! :dancer:. I like dried fruits, too, but I will go overboard on them, so I can't have them in the house. I just bought a little bag of trail mix for a special treat, then noticed that the little bag is seven servings! I could easily down half the bag without thinking twice, so I poured out 1/4 cup and put the rest away. I'll be at Whole Paycheck and/or Trader Joe's this weekend, too, getting some of my favorite frozen foods.

Carol, it sounds like you have been having some fun! Enjoy your walks, it will be winter again before you know it...

I'm on program today (except for the trail mix treat), and will do a cardio workout when I get home. So far no progress on the scale, so maybe I will borrow Penny's or Janelle's. One of my coworkers mentioned how great I'm looking lately, so maybe I'm just tightening up. That's okay, too, but I want it all!

judy

Penny, thanks so much for the encouragement and the will power dust ...

They must've done the trick 'cuz I've done really good today, the last 3 cookies are still here and I'm giving them to Frank when he comes down tonight. :yes:

Way to go with weighing in at 188, I've got a ways to go before I see that number but at least I'm on my way, right? :)

Judy, thanks for the congrats!

Hmmm, not sure about whether liking someone a lot burns calories or not but it's sure working out really well for me anyways. :lol:

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that I was not hungry 'cuz I didn't feel hungry at all when for some silly reason, I thought it was a good idea to eat them [which of course, it wasn't! *lol*]


It sounds like you've done really good today with staying on plan and don't need the dust but if you need some of mine - I'm more than willing to share. ;)

I'm sitting here darned near half asleep and have no idea why ... I'm much more of a high-energy person usually,

I have to be up and moving and getting things done and for the past 3-4 days, it's been about totally the opposite and I hate it. :(

The only thing I can think to attribute it to and this could be way off base but since the 27th of July until this past Sunday,

I've had 4 people who I was very close to ... die [and one of them was one of the love's of my life and even though we weren't together yet, I still loved him.] :(

Well, I guess I've blabbed enough for now but I'll try to keep up with you all and the posts here,

At first, it's kind of hard I think because everyone knows everyone here and I really don't [yet] but will get to know you all and keep up as best as I can. :)

Love,

Jennelle

Jennelle - I just realized I've been spelling your name wrong - so sorry, my bad! I'm sorry to hear of your recent losses - it must be very tough for you losing 4 people you were close to. I'm glad you've been staying on plan, that number WILL go down on that darned scale. Keep up the good work!
:broc:

Whadda ya know - I just realized we've both lost 37 lbs.!