Hi all, I have the munchies. There I said it. I had TWO 100 cal granola bars for a morning snack and it isn't even mid morning snack time. Eeks. I know, 200 cals isn't much, but I must stop. I will stop. I have stopped. :)

Carol, yes I have three pups this morning. I feel very guilty today (hence the munchies). I was really irritated with Kai this morning as she's going potty wherever and whenever she wants. Bring her outside and she just sits there looking at me. So I figure she doesn't have to go and we go in (as I'm trying to get ready for work as well) and then she goes on the floor. I ran late this morning and my temper flared. Now I just want to go home and cuddle her and Kody and Blizzie. I feel so bad. But I have to work so I have to stick it out and try not to let the guilt ruin my diet as well.

And Carol, good for you on saying no to breakfast if you know it will throw you off course.
Marie

Carol - Sounds like you have been plenty busy since you got back. I'm sure you'll take it all in stride though as you always have so much energy! It's great that you got so many photos of your DGS. Digital cameras are great that way - you never have to worry about missing the perfect shot - you can just keep snapping away! There's so many great photo hosting services too, so it's easy to get prints, etc. I very rarely get prints these days as most people have computers and I can email them a copy instead.

Elyn - I think it's a great idea to get your nursing re-certificiation. There is such a big demand for nurses and you never know when you may need it again.
Don't worry about the 2# - it will soon come off again if you jump back on the wagon.

Judy - It's good to hear you're making progress with your house hunting situation. I hope the scale will be kind to you next week.

Marie - Congratulations on your new fur-baby! :) What color is she?
Hopefully she'll soon be house trained and you can relax and enjoy her all the more. I bet you can hardly wait to get home and cuddle her. I hope your other doggies are accepting her. That would be wonderful if she could one day give you some puppies. You may not want to part with them though and end up with a sled dog team!

Work on our patio came to an abrupt halt yesterday with torrential rain and hail. The sun is out today, so hopefully they can start on it again tomorrow. We also found out we have a 10' easement, not the 5' we thought, on the side of our property, so that will affect the placement of the garage. I'm glad my DH is coming home tonight as it's a decision I don't want to make on my own. I'm hoping we won't have to take out a nice tree that may be in the way now. Always something! I've been on track with eating and my ticker is now accurate. I had gained 4 lbs. but didn't have the heart to change my ticker! Hopefully I can now keep the scale moving in the right direction.

Furry Pictures
 

I thought I'd share a couple pictures of Kai Pixie Bear. Easier than trying to describe her. She's such a sweetie. She's forgiven me for being a b*tch this morning. I apologized and snuggled her for a couple hours this evening.
http://www.mariesdogs.com/Images/kai_in_grass

http://www.mariesdogs.com/Images/kai_on_hike.jpg

Oh sweet Marie how cute your little puppy is! Just remember how tough it was for me with Little Bear. Time will come when he is all trained. I think your other dogs will most likely be the best trainers. He will pick up from them oh outside thats where we dump etc... Just a beauty!
Penny yes thank G for giving me such high levels of energy as I surely have needed them in the past two weeks. But the boss said to me yesterday yah know Carol you haven't missed a beat your paperwork isn't done quickly but just as it always is with lots of info. you had a lot to do in a short period of time and I knew you would do it. You kicked A--. I laughed and said thanks. Thats all I needed I finished up with seeing all of my own folks yesterday only had 2 left to see. But when I finished if felt like Mission Accomplished! Asking for 2 day conference after being out of town was like shooting myself in the foot. But yah know it was worth it all seeing my kids and GS and the conference. Yesterday I finally set out to walk with a friend around the lake first time this year. Her doctor pulled her yesterday morning from any extra activities till they figure out whats up with her foot issue. But I didn't let it stop me I still went by myself. I did the like in 31 min. and that was with my warm up so thats darn good. I felt I was pushing myself a bit with the speed but I am feeling fine today even packed my sneakers in hopes of sunny or at least clear weather for a repeat performance today. The lake was so pretty blue green and reminded me a bit of Maui. So it was a real peaceful exercise over 2 miles with hills and valleys along with flat areas too so its a good workout the gym is next. Food intake was with in 1400 cals so not bad.
Penny your work on the house will be so nice once the weather lets them do it. You will enjoy the space. Sounds like your getting back on track with me. We all wiggle our ways off sometimes its remembering to jump back in asap. Now thats the life change we should recognize that we can do it. One girl at work is doing the 6 mini meals a day. Wow does she look great and it came off quickly she is exercising more too and of course almost 1/2 my age. That dang menopause thing messes up our systems. I have a doctors appt. on the 6th should be interesting I still feel strongly about no more meds. so being good is especially important now if I want to stick to my ideas of no more meds. hopefully my idea is the right one?
Well off to work so I can get out at a decent time saving my overtime for friday to leave early. My little gs will stay with us while mom and dad go visit in Maui. I want to jump in their suitcase too.
Grilled ck. mashed pot. portioned out, veggies for dinner tonight. Preplanning is helping me to get back on the road here.

Carol, the 6 mini meals just wouldn't work for me. I'm a quantity (as well as quality) person. I couldn't have tiny portions even if it was more often. I like seeing the full plate. I wish I didn't as that would help the dieting tremendously.

Food and exercise is right on target. Yesterday's munching were made up for in the evening (not having as much) so that was good. This morning I jogged for the first time on the treadmill since last Sept's ortho visit for my knee. I wore the brace and all is fine. I jogged .375 miles and walked the rest of the 1.5 miles.

Kai did way better this morning. I'd done a bit of my morning routine (setting out clothes, getting all the ice mocha stuff and lunch together) so I wasn't as rushed. It helped that I kept bringing her outside. I do think she knows it's a no-no to go inside as she runs off and hides when doing the deed. This morning I caught her running off and was able to stop her as she started.

Well, time to work
Marie

Help me, I'm drowning in work! Too much to write up, too many meetings, too many commitments, arrgh! And I'll essentially be working all weekend, due to volunteer meetings and conference schmoozing.

But I'm going to a baseball game tonight, so for a few hours I won't look at my Blackberry or think about work. Plus I'm PMSing, and had a rare chocolate binge last night. I've brought healthy snacks for the game, and will have a big salad just before I leave, so I'll be less tempted to buy overpriced junk at the stadium.

I will find time to catch up on all the posts in the morning. Marie, thanks for the puppy photos!

Hi everyone,

Judy, I feel your pain with the hectic schedule. I'm back just because an automate process is taking longer than I anticipated so I'm waiting on it.

And therefore, I read the best weight loss article. The author writes excellent pieces. Once, about 2 years ago, I wrote her a thank you email for a great motivational piece about exercising. She wrote me back thanking me for liking the article. Anyway, this is very good. All common sense stuff we all know but put together for a path to success.
http://exercise.about.com/od/weightl...ivalskills.htm

Marie

Marie - Awwwww little Kai is so cute - no wonder you couldn't stay mad at her!
Thanks for posting the interesting article - some good "food" for thought.

Carol - I hope your dr's visit goes well on the 6th. I agree that menopause seems to throw things off a lot, but at least we don't have Aunt Flo visiting every month! It's interesting how some people can lose on 6 "mini" meals. I don't think that would work for me as it would soon turn into 6 "maxi" meals :lol:.

Judy - I hope you managed to get your head above water with your flood of work! :swim: Unfortunately, the PMS chocolate binges are still with me post-menopause!

I did an extra workout at Curves today in attempt to get back on track fitness-wise. It felt good to be working out again. I did some yard work - the weather cleared up for a little while so I couldn't resist putting on my mud boots and wading out there to edge my new flower bed. The yard is a disaster area right now but I can make out the shape of the new patio, so I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We had torrential rain and a huge hail storm yesterday, so it's clay-soup out there! They will finish the set-up tomorrow and put down the gravel, which will be a pleasant change from the mud-bath. I'm looking forward to putting in a "fragrant garden" and arbor on our side yard where we're getting the retaining wall put in.

Marie did the jogging follow up with any discomfort hopefully not. Good for you being able to finally get back to it. I have read alot about when walking after so many min. add a jog then walk etc.. Now that I am trying my best to get back into the swing of things I am going to start that.
Judy wow crazy how work can get to us huh? I am right there with you not working the weekend but still pacing myself pretty hard to get through some progress notes by the end of today that are Aprils. I will be glad to have them done and follow up with the several review reports that need to be done. My Sec. just makes too many errors and it takes longer in the long run to have her do them hey maybe thats why she does that????huh? Thinking about yah!
Penny I have never heard it called Aunt Flow oh how funny you made me giggle with that one. And how true that is don't miss it and hot flashes are getting to be less hopefully it all ends soon it will be 2 yrs. in Oct. I think this is just about long enough huh? Got to make some soap soon. Have you done any lately? Sounds like you are on track too. Its not easy my dr. appt. hopefully goes well and for right now I am not giving in. I think things will adjust with exercise and my better eating habits so I am telling her lets have till Nov. and see how things go if I can't turn it around and make the numbers doable then we can take the next step but with caution. Thats my plan.
I was on target with food yesterday and went shopping for groceries instead of exercise today I will walk or go to the gym. I will have my 40 hrs in by 3 so I will be forced too stop working ah to bad huh?/ GS is spending the next 10 days while mom and dad are in HI it will be fun and I will be moving a bit more in the evenings playing ball etc.. if the weather is nice.

Elyn, good luck on the munchie nipping in the butt. I'm in a munchie mood. I'll be over my calories unless I have a TINY dinner and I'm not apt to do that. So I'll exercise again tonight to make up for it. I do admit the skinny decaf mocha was probably well worth it. It was a nice treat. And I've never had a dog that gets sick in the car - but all mine are of the big variety. :) Maybe that makes a difference.

Carol, this morning I walked the big dogs and as I was going I seriously considered jogging, but my asthma inhaler wasn't nearby. Isn't that a lovely excuse??? Truly, I just didn't want to. But I am going to keep adding the jogging into the walking. I've also heard that walk/jog/walk/jog/walk is best for buring cals and revving the metabolism. I doubt my metabolism would EVER be revved, but a notch higher is always welcomed.

Penny, what the heck are you doing extra workouts at Curves for??? Do you not remember your back just about a month ago that had you laid up for a couple weeks. Walk as extra exercise, not weight training. I swear you Brits are nuts... :) Serously though, please be careful. Someday when I'm in Portland, I'd like to see you and you've been injured the last couple times.

Judy, hope today is going better.

Oh Carol, give the SEC the work back and tell her to redo it until it is right. She'll eventually get the message that crappy work isn't acceptable. When I used to redo other people's work, my boss said the old saying "Feed a man fish for dinner and he has a dinner. Teach him to fish, and he has a meal for life". OK, I know I didn't quote that, but that's the jist. And she was very right. I rarely redo people's work anymore. Make them accountable.

Well my work is a bit better. Our fiscal year is July 1 to June 30 and I have to use my days off or lose them. So I'm using one on Monday. Then DS1 called and told me my Mother's Day present - Carrie Underwood concert in Reno. So I'll be taking the 19th and 20th of for that. Lots of fun. Then also next week I have a conference in Bend (Oregon). It's over my 25th wedding anniversary so DH is coming with. I can think of way better ways to spend my 25th anniversary, but I have no choice but to go as I grant I wrote and received required it. :(

TTYL.
Marie

PS = Kai didn't ahve any accidents this morning. I'm not sure it's because she's trying (as I know she knows it's a no-no since she hides when she does it) or that I'm more vigilant. Etiher way, it was quite pleasant not to clean up after her. :)

Hi! I'm taking advantage of a brief lull between things to catch up on the emails and to check in with you. I've been in meetings most of the day, now I'm home to chill for a moment before changing and heading out to a conference. I didn't have time to workout today, but I plan to do yoga before bed tonight. Tomorrow I'm free in the morning, then back to the conference until late in the evening. I've been eating mostly healthy food, but not tracking it well, so I feel a bit stuffed:(, Things will continue to be hectic and unusually stressful at work for a while, but I will have more control over my schedule, at least, after Monday.

Marie, it sounds like you have some fun things to look forward to this month. I'm glad that Baby Kai is getting with the program.

Elyn, your maxi-meals comment cracked me up :joker:. That definitely my problem much of last year. If only I could get back to counting calories...I'm doing well just to list my food and exercise.

Penny, thanks for the swimmer. Maybe you should get a pool in your new yard :D.

Carol, that's a nice long visit you'll have with your grandson! Keeping up with him should certainly burn some calories.

Okay, gotta get back to work..

judy

Carol - It's nice that you'll have your DGS staying with you. I bet he'll enjoy playing with Bear (and vice versa). No, I haven't made any soaps for quite a while. One of my girlfriends has a birthday next week, so I think I'll make her some - thanks for reminding me!

Elyn - I hope you managed to beat the ''frenzy munches" what a good description! I tend to do that when I'm stressed, which is a lot of the time lately. If only I could find something as enjoyable as eating to soothe my nerves! :hungry:

Marie - I'm glad Kai's bathroom habits have improved - that will make life a lot easier for you. What a nice Mother's Day present from you son! I actually didn't do two workouts in a row, just two consecutive days. I'm taking it very easy on certain machines and so far no sore muscles. I'd like to be able to walk more, but still can only do 15-20 min. before my ankle gives out. My girlfriend told me off for doing so much yard work, but I love it and my back seems ok with bending. I just have to be REAL careful about lifting - that's what seems to set it off.

Judy - Sounds like you're up to your ears with work again. I don't know how you manage. Good for you staying more or less on track and getting in some exercise. The yoga probably helps with the stress.

The patio and wall are coming along and they should pour the concrete on Tuesday :crossed:. There's a hold up with the garage as our builder found out we need a special permit ($520) because our property backs on to the river. No large buildings are allowed to be seen from the river, so they have to do an impact study. The stupid part is the garage is more that 700 yards from the river and 150' higher than the river (with woods in between) so it would be absolutely impossible to see it from there aaargh! The government always finds another way to suck money out of our wallets! We went to Heirloom Roses today to get a couple of ramblers to grow up into two big lilac trees we can see now that the two old sheds are gone. Heirloom Roses is a rose-lovers paradise with acres of beautiful rose gardens and every type of rose imaginable.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Marie you are right and I loved that saying cute and never heard it before.
I am going to take a ride over to the lake and let the GS play on the playground with hubby watching and I am going to go walk around the lake. Its a bit cold here. I planted and weeded and dug in the garden yesterday that was my exercise.
I got an email from my SIL in Maui he lost his license somewhere between Phoniex and Maui. Wow lucky is was after his last flight or he wouldn't of been going anywhere else quickly. How awful. He has asked me to go to the house and get his passport and mail it overnight with a rec. slip when he gets it. I will go get it today and send it off monday a.m. What a way to start the vac.
Penny yes we are having fun playing checkers, using the computer and gardening. He pulled the wagon with the soil helped dig and fill in the plants etc.. He really was helpful.
Judy it should burn some cals but yah never know. I have had a few people tell me recently how great I look must be the tan and the trip which relaxed me so. One gal hadn't seen me for 10 yrs. we had a nice few min. visit. Nice to catch up.
Elyn we all slip sometimes its jumping back on track thats the important thing. Isn't this site great we all support one another so well glad your on here. By the way Julie are you out there??
On board yesterday kind of picking too much today whats with that? Guess a trip around the lake might be a good idea just to keep me with my goal ideas.