Yes, Mel, I know Shad will be annoyed about me using the forbidden word so early in the year, but I thought you could use a little pick-me-up...
If centipedes would eat my spiders, I'd keep a whole colony on the balcony! I have no idea where they spend the winter, but every summer they're back, weaving their endless webs.

Has anyone been watching Biggest Loser? Is it just me, or is the male bonding/weeping getting a bit much? Sheesh, get a grip! At the same time, I get a good giggle every time they do their "1, 2, 3 - Pride!" routine, especially since they all got pride tattoos.

Good Morning Ladies --

I met with a Diabetes Educator on Monday, and the good news is she said I am doing the things I need to do to lower my blood pressure, lower my cholesterol and improve my insulin absorption. She likes that I am sticking to an eating plan where I eat lots of veggies and fruits, lean protein (and not too much), fat free or reduced fat dairy, and my starchy carb choices are whole grain and have LOTS of fiber. She also liked that I was exercising 4 to 5 days per week (though it would be better if I did closer to 5 to 6 or 7). She said that obviously what I am doing is good for my body because my hunger is satisfied and I feel so much better and have much more energy and enthusiasm than I used to. Per her and my doctor's suggestion, I am now monitoring my blood sugar twice a day (pre-breakfast and 2 hours after any meal) just to see how my blood sugar typically trends for fasting and then after digesting a meal. I'm getting the hang of the finger pricking, and it's not too bad. And I am still feeling so great and really enjoying this process (I'm sure that sounds weird). But since there may be a chance to not have to go on meds, I feel like I'm being given a chance to make things right, and I'm taking full advantage of this chance! My wrist is doing much, much better! It still hurts occasionally (mostly when I do stupid stuff like if I sit on the floor and try and push my way up with my right hand, or if I do any kind of pushups (other than wall pushups). I never thought I'd say this, but I am just about getting to the point where I am enjoying eating healthy and when I don't go to the gym, I actually miss it. Weird, huh?

Rennie - If you're still bored and looking for stuff to do....you're always welcome to come to my house! I've got tons of cleaning and organizing to do....not to mention laundry.

Ellen - You're making great progress on the floor! Good For you! I'll be it looks wonderful! How are your hands today? I remember when we tore out our family room carpet and installed laminate, my hands and wrists were sore for days (not at all related to this recent wrist injury). BTW, I'm sure you're losing inches since you're doing everything right. I'm losing inches faster than pounds too.

Shaker - I love hearing about your kittens that look like little black & white cows. I'll bet they are adorable.

Annie - I'm so glad to hear your DD came through the surgery well! Continuing to send well wishes that she has a speedy recovery and that they got it all. I hope all went well with your DS's MRI. BTW, 57 in Indy? Wow! You are getting spring much sooner than we are. We were promised highs in the 40s yesterday, but it only got up to the mid to upper 30s.

Happy - That's awesome that you can motivate each other to walk nearly every day!! Good for you both!! You've got daffodils already? I'm envious. I am so looking forward to seeing spring flowers! And it's warm enough for just screen doors?? We still have our storm windows and doors. Hopefully just a few more weeks. Funny you should mention about skirts. When I was cleaning out my closet, I put nearly all my skirts in bags to take to charity. I haven't worn a skirt in about 6 or 7 years!

Shad - Your orchids sound lovely, even if they do have funny names! It sounds like when you're ready you will get a great assignment (like the Rio one) that keeps you close to home as you have so much going on.

Mel - I cringed when I saw the centipede photo! We didn't have them in California (or at least I never saw them). The first time I saw one in the basement after moving to Wisconsin, I freaked out!! Ugh!!

Carla - I hope you had a great weigh in at WW today!

Patty - I'm so glad to hear your brother is doing well! I'll bet that's quite a relief for you! Good for you for getting back to your workout routine! YGG!

Gotta sign off for now. Hello to anyone I may have missed! Here's to a great rest of the day and rest of the week for all of us!

Good Afternoon Everyone.........

What a sunshiny, glorious day in Indy. 50's, I'll take it.

Shad..I would say that was a complete car wash you had. I like to go to Mike's carwash, if you go through and your car is still dirty, you get to go again for free.

Patty...so glad to hear about your borther..more thoughts and prayers your way also.

Carla...The Gidget movie was on the tube the other night. DD said, what the heck kind of movie is this. I just laughed at her.

Happy....ohhh 72 degrees, how wonderful. Iwould take it in a heartbeat. I am sick of cold and snow.

Mel...centipedes, yuck. I do like the commercial about the air freshner with the octapus and her husband is a centipede with tons of tennis shoes in the closet. Thanks for the chicken recipe site also. Yum.

Diyana - my parents both have diabetes. When I am over there around dinner time, usually 5o pm. My dad says to my mom....come on Rita, time to take our sugar. Togetherness after 60 years, not sure that is what they meant. I always think of the Dunkin Donuts commericial when the dude says, time to make the donuts....time to take our sugar....

Good news on the DS front. He has nothing torn, ripped or broken in his knee. He just has a truckload of scar tissue from past injuries. Therefore, doc is going to laproscopically go in and clean up his knee. DS will only be down 2 to 3 days. Wheww whoooo.

DD went back to work today. She has a terrible migraine. I told her to drink tons of water at work as she is still probably dehydrated. Silly girl.

Got some shingles loose on the roof. Will make DS go up before to reattach. He can do this before the surgery gets scheduled. He did get my garbage disposal fixed.

Hello to everyone...stay focused and happy.

Love and Hugs

Happy days at WW today! Have already been and raided Shy's peeps... (insert diabolical laughter here). It has turned into a beautiful day here after all - bright sunshine, temp just under freezing, huge lakes of mucky water at every street corner.

Diyana, on the good results! I think a lot of people could reverse Type II if they really worked at it. And you're right that after a while you get so you miss good eating and physical activity. Of course, just a little lying on the couch eating will make that nasty longing for activity and veggies go away...

Annie, good news on DS's knee. And how clever of you to send him up on the roof before the procedure - that way if he messes it up more he won't have to go in twice.

I'm trying out a diet idea I read about, probably in some thoroughly disreputable rag. The plan is to eat three apples a day, each one about 15 min before meals. It's supposed to fill you up and make you eat a lot less at the meal. Since I like apples, they have lots of fiber and low calories, why not! If I'm sylphlike within a week, I'll let all the worldlies know so they can also go out and stock up on apples.

FIRST LET ME SAY TO MICHELLE THAT I AM SO GLAD TO HEAR THIS GOOD NEWS AND I AM SURE YOU ARE EVEN MORE THAN I AM CONGRATULATIONS FOR ALL THE EFFORT YOU HAVE POUT INTO GETTING THAT SECOND CHANCE. THANKS FOR THE M OTIVATION ALSO!! WE CAN CHEER EACH OTHER ON!! NICE JOB!

CARLA~ YES....WHAT IS WITH ALL THE TESTOSTERONE TEARS!!! HAVING A FEmININE SIDE IS ONE THING BUT GETTING OUT THE LACE TRIMMED HANKIES IS ANOTHER LAST WEEK I CRIED MY BRAINS OUT WHEN MARK GOT TOSSED OFF AND NOW HE CRIED COMING BACK ON??? I LEFT THE ROOM FOR A MINUTE SO HE COULD GET HIMSELF TOGETHER BUT I LOVE THE MUSIC AND SOMEHOW IT MOTIVATES ME. I AM HOPING THAT ALI MAKES IT TO THE FINALS!! ALSO....WHAT IS WITH JILLIAN TAKING HER CRAPPY DAY WITH HER WHINING PROTEGES OUT ON POOR ALISON??? GEEZ......GET A LIFE. I AM GOING TO THE SUPERMARKET TOMORROW...THINK YOU WIL BE SYLPHLIKE BY TONITE?

ANNIE~ BETTER GET EVERYTHING FIXED BEFORE THESE KIDS CAN THINK OF MOR WAYS TO ENTER THE HOSPITAL! I AM GLAD THE NEWS FOR DS IS BETTER. THANK GOD FOR SMALL FAVORS HOPE YOU ARE KEEPING YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR INTACT. I KNOW IT HELPS ME GET THRU THE TOUGH TIMES. WHY DID SHE GO BACK TO WORK??????????

willy boy is taking me shopping in the morning. everyone called my new phone to tell me friday will be raining and to get my butt out of bed tomorrow! so i will see you when i get back. john had to come up here to show me how to make a phone call on this new fangled device!! i felt like a granny!!! he wasn't even sure either!! :ROFL:
have a super thursday!!!

Carla....while You Were There You Should Have Stolen One For Me!!! I Am Still 5 Lbs Down As Of This Morning!!! Congratulations On The W Weigh-in!!! You Go Girl!! Now Which Diet Was That??? The Bottled Grape Juice Plan??? Roflmyassofffffffff

YOUR TICKER PEEP IS TOO EFFING FUNNY!!!

Morning Ladies, for the second time I amight add as some unmentionable pop-up decided to make an appearance mid-post and wiped what I was doing.. the surf was great yest, Mel thanks for joining me perhaps everyone can come for a today or just sit and read if you like

The babies are doing really, I took two of them outside for a looky around, I took them one at a time and the two I knew wouldn't make a bolt for it - they had a good time and snuffled around for a while. I have let all 5 out but was in the morning when they were ravenous so they didn't venture far, I am a bit like the pied piper except they do the singing

Lovely day here around 23 which is nice for being autumn. shad you still having lots of rain there, making up for 3years with no maybe? Carla we have the biggest loser on at the moment but I only like the end when they weigh-in and vote everything else is a bit boring, especiall men crying WTF??????... I also watch the Chef program umm what was it called was only on last night.. nup is gone again.. back again is Top Chef.

Carla does that mean that you had a loss at ww???? I weigh in on a Monday, my friend that goes as well loses a bit one week maybe a pound and then puts it on the following week, honstly without fail she does this.. it surprises me that she still goes she has been going far longer than me, maybe nearly 20weeks and is still under the 5kg weightloss mark, I told her she is my mentor for stamina in sticking at it .

Have a lovely day everyone hope to see you round the island

Mel
I'm with you on the men and there whine's and pride. And yes what was with Jullian last night.

Carla
Congrats on the weight loss.

Hello to every one else.

Melody
Nice going on maintaining that weight loss. We have those little critters too and sp spi spid spid oh I can't even type the word. You know, those nasty things that have all those legs and big beady eyes AND THEY STALK AND CHASE YOU. I pay a man once a year to come and spray my basement to get rid of everything. He tells my kids don't come down here while I spray or you will be gone too lol. Think this spring I am going to lock them in the basement.

Carla
See I thought I forgot to add a peep. Here it was YOU that stole it. What out for the apples they are loaded with carbs.

Di
I am happy to hear the way you are eating is working for you. We can do a great deal for our body's just by watching what we put into it. You people. I tell the kids laundry is the job they give to the blind, deaf, old lady in the household because she wants to contribute to the household. Come on, you toss some clothes in the washer, toss them in the dryer ( I swear there aren't many of us that still drag them outside to hang them on the line to dry ) and then sit, suck on a milk shake ( low fat of course ) and fold laundry while you watch eye candy like Kurt Russel. Laundry is my favorite job lol.

Huh - Rennies down again I see. Well done. Well done also to Carla who has it within her power to become the skinny one - I think she just doesn't want to leave us behind. And for all those losing - like happy and Mel and Shaker and Annie - who isn't supposed to but is - congratulations. I'm green!!!

I'm sitting here waiting for the kitchen man to arrive. He has to do final measurements today. After that it is his fault if it doesn't fit. However since both he and I got the same measurements first time around it shouldn't take too long. Better not, I have work to do! DS2 has gone to work today, quite willingly it seems. We had a bit of a discussion yesterday but I don't think we resolved too much. He is still being horribly stubborn. Seems to think he only needs to take his medication when having a low. Poof says I, take 'em high or low because the higher the high, the lower the low. I think he is still cogitating on that one. I think I need Painter over here, now!!!! Anyway, I feed him a really good on plan meal last night and he said that he was feeling a lot better after it, following which I gave him a spiel about diet and consequence of too much fat, too much salt, too much sugar. It seems my homily fell on deaf ears - he went to sleep in the middle!!! Kids.

Jillian of the Biggest Loser might have been sore because she and Bob are also dealing with some of our lot. They had to choose a new player and they have chosen the Joker in the Pack. He is well hated by his team members and insists on calling Jillian - Gilligan - and she is not amused. I bet he isn't so fork tongued when she gets down here!!! However he got immunity last night - I'm convinced it was a set up and he is safe for the week even tho he has lost little weight so far back in the house.
As for the men in tears - they find it so difficult to cope alone. They want to see, speak to, and touch the wife or the mother or the kids. Funnily enough they never wanted to do that at home!!! Tough? Men? hardly!

Right - I better go and get emotionally prepared for the kitchen man. Wonder if I can reduce him to tears. Oh no, I want a decent kitchen out of this. Be back later.

Shad
Thank you. You are right. If it doesn't fit sure won't be your fault.

Good morning chicks -

Hey - what's this about moo-moo mamas? I do not own a moo-moo.

You guys are chatty, not sure I can get to everything quickly.

Carla - loved the "Dynasty" comment on the clothes. So perfect. Nothing summarizes the cinched waists, football shoulder pads and poodle hair of the 80's like the tv show Dynasty. And I didn't even watch it. I have tended to go towards more classic stuff than the trendy styles on the things I have kept around. Funny that you should talk about sweaters as that probably makes up a big portion of what's in the boxes.

Thanks for that creepy picture Mel. The cat brushed against my ankle and I almost took my knees out from under the desk jumping Hate those things. When I saw one in the basement I would stick my hand in one of DH's boots, put a paper towel over that and SMASH the thing! icccck.

My rule with is that they take care of most pests so I have learned to live with them. They can't stay in the bedroom however. I have been known to get them to crawl on a piece of paper and I will run like mad through the house to go and relocate them to a better area

Michelle - I think you have reached that great turning point in life where you're no longer fighting doing what should be coming naturally to a healthy life style :congrats: So glad to hear that things are going well healthy wise for you I think it helps too when you realize how GOOD you feel when you're on plan and how BADLY you feel when you're not. (And if it's badly, why isn't it goodly? - such a strange language that English )

Annie - I enjoyed the 72 degrees for you yesterday. Glad you enjoyed your day too. Any warm up is greatly appreciated, right?

Carla on the great weigh in!!!! Am falling all over myself at the idea of you stealing Rennie's peeps

on your 5 pounds down too Mel! You have a leg up on me but I'm coming fast behind you. Perhaps we can have a rousing game of steal the peeps to burn a few more calories

I finally stopped watching the Biggest Loser after a few episodes this year. Read too much on other places about how the whole thing is scripted and it's about drama, not true weight loss so I gave up on it. Also was sooooooo sick of Kelly's constant tears.

Shaker - I understand all about your friend at WW. I was the same way when we were doing WW at work. I was not very motivated after the 3rd session. We had a boring leader and mostly I think I was at a new job and missed having my former WW buddy from the old job. S and I would bring lunches for each other 4 days out of 5 and we made sure that we took a walk at lunchtime each day. I guess I needed someone to hold the over me. So that one session of WW I did the same as your friend before I dropped out. It's good of you to encourage her all the same.

Ceejay.

Shy, I hate ironing but like you, don't mind doing laundry.

I have heard about the suggestion of eating an apple before meals - not sure about eating them 3 times a day tho. Dr. Oz of Oprah fame suggested eating something like 20 almonds or 8 walnuts 30 minutes before meals to curb your appetite once you start eating and I've tryed that. It works. You do eat less. Particularly if you use a smaller lunch sized plate.

Shad - one of the big revelations in life is when we realize that our parents were right all along in their lectures Sometimes it takes longer for some of us to get that message. Glad you are persistent with the DS. Have you picked out colors and cabinets and such for the new kitchen?

DH and I did go for a walk yesterday even though I got home later than I planned from work. It was a nice evening - too pretty to waste NOT walking. We saw some of the neighbors which was nice. Then I was watching one of my favorite shows - Beauty and the Geeks which pairs up very pretty girls and the geekiest of boys in the concept that they can each teach each other things. It's not mean spirited but quite entertaining. A new season has started on the show and they were doing introductions. One girl said she was not dumb, it's just that she didn't know a lot of stuff One girl said (and she must be in her 20's) that she cannot seem to master the concept of telling time. Several people have tried to help her read a clock back but she JUST DOESN'T GET IT. So she has to rely on digital clocks One of the geeky guys is a poet at heart and gets all excited - he really wants to please and he just about snorts in excitement. Reminds me of a cute puppy so eager to please.

Tonight I go and get my hair done. FINALLY. I really need a color refresh more than anything. I had to cancel my last appointment - somehow the idea of a tornado ripping through town caught my attention more than sitting in a chair with foil and hair goo. And it's taken 6 weeks before I could get another appointment. Can't wait to feel good again.

And with that I am off. Love to the rest of the crew. Have a good one

Good Morning Ladies --

I went to the gym yesterday and did an hour of cardio, and I'm going tonight to do 1/2 hour of weights and at least 1/2 hour of cardio. This morning, I got on the scale and have lost another 2.5 lbs - down a total of 13.5 now!! : I'm staying flexible about how to make time for working out nearly every day, but I am making working out and eating OP a priority. Yesterday, someone brought in yummy looking cookies and placed them in the same room as the printers. When I went to pick something off of the printer, I took a look at the different kinds of cookies (M&M, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and Sugar), and two of my co-workers (who know of my diabetes and resulting lifestyle changes) were in there. They said, you don't want these Michelle. They taste really bad. Then my boss came in (who also knows of my diabetes) and he said, "Oh, Cookies!" And I told him that my co-workers told me they were pretty bad, and he tasted one and said, "Oh, yeah. They are awful." It was funny because I knew they were lying just so I wouldn't be tempted, and I wasn't. It's great to have supportive people at work! More support the better, that's my motto.

Annie - 50's in Indy? Ahhhh. I'm so looking forward to our first 50 degree day here. It's getting up into the very low 40s today and tomorrow, so that's a start. Nice story about your parents. Thanks. I've been taking my blood sugar for a couple days now, but forgot to take it this morning and the kit is at home. I'll take it tonight after dinner like I did last night and then put it in my purse so I have it tomorrow morning. That's great news about your DS. You are right to tell your DD about drinking water for her migraine. I've had migraines for years (though the last few years I've had much fewer), and I've found most of mine were triggered by dehydration.

Rennie - You are doing SO great on your weight loss! You're getting really close to goal weight! Good for you! Do you feel close to goal weight? The only time I really hate doing laundry is when my legs are sore from working out or if I'm having a bad back day...then the trips up and down the stairs to the washer and dryer are rough.

Shaker - I'm definitely up for a day at the beach and a swim in the warm ocean waters! You cow kittens sound so adorable! I can just picture them sniffing around outside.

Happy - Thanks for the words of encouragement and support (and the hug ) I hadn't heard about 20 almonds prior to eating. That would be filling and a good way to get healthy protein. As for Beauty and the Geek, I haven't seen it. But I did watch "America's Most Smartest Model" in which models have to prove their intellectual skills by answering questions (some easy, some hard) and their modeling talent. It was a good show.

Shad - You are absolutely correct....if the kitchen man takes measurements and then it doesn't fit....it's totally his fault. I hope things went well with the kitchen man. When will they start the work and how long will it take?

Mel - Thanks for the support and congratulations!! I'm really pleased with how I'm feeling and the results that are happening. I hope you figure out your new phone. Great job maintaining the weight loss! YGG!!

Carla - Congrats on your great WW weigh in!! I've heard about the 3 apples a day diet and I've heard it really works well (especially in combination with healthy eating and exercise). They are high in carbs and fructose, but at least they are high in fiber and it makes sense that they would help lose weight and fill you up. And if an apple a day keeps the doctor away, 3 a day would be even better, right?

Hello to Patty, Ellen and anyone else I may have missed!

Let's all have a Terrific Thursday, followed by a Fabulous Friday and a Wonderful Weekend!

Big hugs to you all!

Happy 61 degree day from Indy today. Yeah....Sunny too! Just wore my suit jacket to work today. Seems kind of funny with some snow still actually piled out there where the lot has been scraped.

Great job to the losers this week. Keep up the great work!!

Mel...DD went back to work as she has only worked there for 5 mos and doesn't want to make a bad impression. I try to instill good work ethics in both kids. There are way too many lazy bones out there as it is.....

Quite a yum breakfast today. Cottage Cheese, grapes and 1/2 of an avocado. Protein is where it's at.

OMG...my son made dinner last night. Grilled homemade Ruebens with a side of cottage cheese. Some days he surprises me.

Hello to everyone. Have a wonderful day.

Love and Hugs