Hi everyone! Rough day today with some family issues:(, but I realized that for the first time in my life, I'm not eating to solve my problems, so I guess that's a plus! I even have some of my daily points left over. So weird... And on another good note, I think my tomato plants are going to be ok, hallelujah! :cp:

Mollikins, hi, and nice to "meet" you! My parents have a kitty named Molly who resembles your avatar, only not quite as smiley! Good luck with the exercise! I'm hoping to really get on that soon, but it's just been too hot to think much about it. (That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it, for now- :dizzy:)

Marie, can you bottle that love of exercise? You would be a gazillionaire! My dog used to be a terrible puller, too. We had to switch to a harness to keep her from choking herself. I know we should have tried harder to train her, but she was doing such a good job of training us.:joker: Now that she's older, there's not much pulling anymore, unless she sees someone she knows, or a squirrel, or a rabbit. Ah, but it's nice to see her excited about these things.

Judy, glad you had a nice trip, and it sounds like you got your exercise "mountain climbing". It probably is just water weight you're seeing, and you'll be back on track in no time! And btw, I've grown pretty attached to the Disney Channel, embarrassing as that may be. I know most of the cool shows, so I can talk to the kids about who they think is "hot"!:yes:

Penny, glad you're feeling better, just don't over-do it! It's awful how complicated the system is for getting medical things done. I hope your other tests go well!:crossed:

Carol, I think I'd like to try that grilled pizza some time! I'd also like to live near the beach! I know I would go walking way more if it were along the water. We don't have any appropriate lakes nearby, and we're a couple hours from the Jersey shore, so it's not very convenient, but I sure love it when we do get to go there. Good luck with your new exercise schedule!:running:

Welcome back Judy. I loved the joke. Yes I have pains in the neck at work but this one is due to swimming. I did bet my snorkel and on the package it said some people need nose plugs to use it. I'm think, o, not me, I've snorkeled/scuba dived so I'll be fine. Not. I thought I'd choke on the first length. Of course I tried again and choked again. the water just flowed up the nasal passages. Then it dawned on my I always use a mask that covered my nose when snorkeling. Tomorrow I'll be buying a nose plug. :) So I propelled my way to 1/4 mile looking like a crappy swimmer. Between my neck, knee and wrists, I was pathetic. The only stroke that I didn't improvise was the back stroke. The rest were pathetic, but at least I don't give up. Sometimes I think that would be wise, but alas, I'm a dingy blonde.

I also doggie walked this morning and the huskies were angels. The new collar reminded Kai of her training and all was good. We had a great walk. The smoke was unreal but then it was even worse on my way home. Food was ok.

Carol, the walk around the lake sounded perfect. I'm a big believer in morning exercise. I just feel so much better when I do. And being outside just makes it even better. I've been worried about the depression side of the bipolar rearing it's ugly head but I'm now starting to think it was because I was letting the morning exercise slide and was exercising in the evening occasionally. That's just not good for me as I've been forcing myself to get up for a week and I feel tons better.

Penny, I hope you get a hold of a cardiologist soon. I understand it's not an emergency but worrying about it while recovering from surgery isn't healthy. Call often and be a pest. Maybe that will work because clearly patience isn't.

Well, I'm going to watch a Tivo'ed Closer. I LOVE that show.
Marie

Marie I agree the a.m. workout was nice no excuses cause its the end of the day and I ran out of steam. I didn't do the pool last night as I was in the middle of cooking when my friend called. But at least I had my a.m. walk and jog in. I really enjoyed being able to jog even if it was in little spirts. Which I heard is good for us to walk, inc., walk etc. So guess it all went well and I had a sweat so that was good and it wasn't due to the heat of the day as it was so early and peaceful at the lake. I was trying to picture you in the pool I must admit I laughed sounded kind of funny but I truly understand. As when I was in HI not last time but the time before I went snorkeling and loved it of course but learning just the little I did water up the nose isn't fun. You are a dye hard and that is a great quality don't your ever lose it cause when you do it won't be good!
Auntie g the lake is nice and so peaceful getting there before the cashier is there waiting for 7 dollars is even better. I wish I had an ocean to walk near as I love hearing the waves but I will take my lake as its second best I guess. Wish they would let us kayak on it but they don't no outside boats they rent row boats during the day its populated etc not my cup of tea. I like it quiet. I am attempting to go in the morning thurs. it will depend on the weather. I am looking forward to friday off and then the 22nd of August too. We are camping two weekends in a row. Taking the grandsons and my youngest daughter and her hubby, then going with friends the following weekend. Time is rushing away and I hate that when summer is here.
Penny call back that drs. and request a call if they have a canelation and maybe you can get in sooner explain that at this time it is weighing heavy on you and your trying to recover from some surgery so you'd appreciate any appt. that comes up if its possible for you to go in? Good luck see as a service coordinator I keep pushing till I get what I need when its needed. What do they say sweaky wheel gets greased first. Oh something like that. Keep me in touch and good luck.
Grilled pizza for anyone whom would like to try it. I am told to strech the dough then use some olive oil rub a bit on each side. Place it on your grill MED. Heat then wait til it turns golden brown flip it. Put your sauce, toppings on it cover it with closing the grill ck often when it looks brown again on the bottom and top looks great take it off. I think it sounds wonderful. I am going to make individual ones so each person can have what they like. Friday nights meal with a lovely salad.
Tonight is leftovers for everyone but me I am going to do fish on the grill. A salad and baked potatoe with light sc.
I am pleased with my accomplishments this week staying on a healthier choice side of things and exercising. Client wise this has been a very stressful week and that normally would mean binge and I didn't do that. When I do have something special I am using my little 1/2 cup dish it helps me keep control.
Have super day everyone.

Hi everyone - Just a quick note to let you know I have an appointment tomorrow for my TEE exam. It takes about and hour and then 2 hrs. to wake up. I'm busy getting some things done in case I need to be admitted to the hospital. Luckily, the hospital is only a few minutes from home. I had a bit of a run-around because the cardiologist my GP recommended turned out not to be on my preferred provider list so luckily we were able to find another one on the list who could see me at short notice. I'm hoping my penicillin therapy can be done at home, but I read that sometimes patients have to be in the hospital for 2-6 weeks on an IV for this kind of infection.

On top of that, my brother emailed me yesterday that my Dad was admitted to the hospital with a pain in his side and is undergoing tests. It never rains but it pours!

As I keep telling myself - this too shall pass. :^: Keep sending good vibes my way - your well-wishes are much appreciated :).

One good thing to report - I'm down another pound to 190 :carrot:.

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

Today's afternoon is dragging by. I could definitely use a siesta. Usually the morning exercise keeps me energetic, but not today. I think it's because I really don't want to be here. :D

Penny, you're in my thoughts and prayers. It's definitely raining on you lately. :(I hope your father is ok too.

auntie g, I hope your family issues are resolved. It's amazing how our lives can flip on a dime. And way congrats on not eating your way through it. My eldest doggie (7.5 years) finally doesn't pull anymore. None are at the moment, but every once in a while Kodiak will:devil:. But Blizzard is so perfect, no pulling at all.

Carol, that's odd that a lake charges $7 for parking/access and no kayaks. They must think people are rich. It's great you can beat the system on the parking at least.:o

DH has flying lessons after work so I should be free to play for a bit. I have to go to the store but I'm hoping to be fast. I'd like to vacuum my pool then swim if I can find nose plugs at the store. DH and DS2 setup the guest bed in my craft room (as DS2 hasn't quite moved out but will be during this next week). So we're almost set for my sister to visit. And no work on Friday, Monday or Tuesday -yeah!!!!:carrot:
Marie

Another day, another headache! Nothing new on the problem front, but nothing has been resolved, so I'm stressed.:stress: Ugh! I need to think happy thoughts!:flow2:

So, I stayed under my points again today, and went to the pool for some exercise:swim: yay! Some friends gave us a gift card for a steakhouse, and DH is sooo excited because I don't buy meat that often. We're going to go on Saturday, so I guess that'll be my splurge for this week. Anybody know what are better/worse choices in steaks? I'm not too much of a meat eater, so I don't know anything about steak!:dunno:

Marie, happy swimming! I need to get some earplugs, myself. I only swim under water, keeping my head straight, otherwise I have terrible problems with my ears. Hope that smoke clears up soon!

Carol, what kind of pizza dough do you use on the grill? Any old kind? Anything pizza related is definitely intriguing to me. Congrats on eating well this week!

Penny, good luck with your TEE. I'd never heard of that, but I looked it up. Sounds like quite a useful test. I hope everything goes well, and with your dad, too. And I have to agree with "this too shall pass"- I have to keep reminding myself of that. Congrats on reaching 190!

Penny, you have way too much going on! I hope things went well today, and that your dad isn't suffering from anything serious. Congrats on losing another pound :cheer2:

Carol, I think it's so cool that you get so much enjoyment out of camping and kayaking with friends and family. I hope that you were able to get out on the water today.

Marie, I was so happy to read about your son! The two of you have had some struggles, I hope this is the dawn of an adult relationship. Good luck with your sister's visit.

Auntie G, you've done well to keep the stress eating under control! :high:.

Elyn and Mollikins, hope you're having a great day.

Today is my third afternoon with a headache. This time it's mostly from the chemical smell in the office, coming from outside or somewhere else in the building. I did a good 45-minute cardio workout this morning. I'm still struggling with "hunger," and eating a few extra hundred calories a day (:eek:). I've been carrying my log around but not really using it. I'll spend some time over the next few days talking to myself about this....part of it is getting back into my usual groove, and TOM started earlier this week, so it's also hormones. At least I'm not feeling as bloated. I'm not totally off track, but I'm not being as focused as I need to be, either.

See you tomorrow--judy

Hi Chickies,

We just got back from the hospital and I'm pleased to say I don't have any heart valve damage from my blood infection! :carrot:

It's such a relief - thanks for all your prayers and good wishes.

They are doing some more blood cultures to decide what kind of antibiotic therapy I will need.

I am now going to eat a horse as I wasn't allowed to eat anything since 6:30pm yesterday :hungry:.

http://i309.photobucket.com/albums/k...iYoung/yay.gif
for no heart valve damage! And how was that horse, Penny?

Penny my thoughts are with yah. Glad things are better at least your home. Is this to do with your last surgery?
Marie yah our state parks here in lovely New York charge that everyday. Memorial day through Labor day. All the rest of the year it is free. If you get there before 7:30 am there is no charge you beat the workers to the gate. Crazy huh? There are other lakes which are free but not to walk around like this one. I walk at Green Lake it is under New York State Parks if you care to take a peek on the net. There are two lakes the other one we call Round there right together but that is another 20 min in the a.m. no time for both so I just do the one. Little Bear and I will go on saturday nice and early so it will be free.
Auntie g I use white pizza dough most of the time. I like to buy it from the bakery or pizza parlor they sell it for under 2.00 dollars. Its much cheaper to make than buy actually. I am making a few different ones tonight so everyone has what they want company is coming over. That and mozz. ball salad with tomatoes, fresh basil and cukes my own dressing. No dessert planned for this evening but I do have Italian ices at only 80 cals if someone wants one.
Really trying to tow the mark. Judy sounds like your working your way back from that vacation I know its not so easy. I am right there with you!
Stressful week the boss and I actually didn't agree on the way I handled a case and I think we ended our chat as both being a bit peed off. Then she went home early and I am off today. So guess nothing got resolved not the way I wanted to start a day off but oh well. I still see it as doing my job. I am not there to be everyones friend but to ensure safety and well being of my clients and I still feel just as strongly about that today. So life goes on but yah know I reamained strong and didn't overeat because of any of it. Now that is a good thing I say. Well hope I didn't forget anyone. Oh forgot to mention I stocked up on lots of healthy choices, seafoods, veggies, light cheeses, whole wheat crackers, hummus etc. so my variety is available in my home along with lots of fresh fruits and veggies.
Gotta fly

Well my grilled pizza rocks! The first one came out a little too brown and had a bit of blk on it. But non the less I con't to make 2 more oh yeah we had company of course and do have some leftovers. I didn't make my dough into smaller pizzas just one big one out of each dough. It was fun. Next time though I would have all the toppings precut and on a platter and ch. ready cause it didn't take long maybe 5 min. or so before the bottom was done browned, flipped it over and added the toppings put the cover down and watched til it was melted. On one of them of course still experimenting the bottom was done so I shut the burners off on that side and put the cover down and it all melted fine and was so good. My friends were amazed at how great it tasted. Needless to say I will be doing this again next time I will make mine with wholewheat dough.
I continue to be doing good. I did manage to buy some donuts for the hubby and gk I had a half of one but better than a whole one.
Today I am off to go to a farmers market and out for breakfast. I didn't get my walk in but maybe later sure I will do some walking today. I did some gardening yesterday and planted a new white carpet rose bush. It was a deal at Loews from 14.97 down to 3.97 so I had to have it. Now want one more.
Have a good day and hope everyone is doing well. I feel better about my thing with my boss. I decided she might not like the way I handled something and maybe I could in the future do it a bit differently but I still feel strongly that what I did was correct. So in the long run I am okay with it just not the way she spoke with me. Now that is a mtg. issue and there is a line of command and it wasn't used at all. I heard she took off yesterday as well. Guess maybe she needed time to think too? I help support and train people and have info. from yrs. of experience some of what I do is extra and not in my job description if you know whaT I mean? Monday is a new day! My dietary hasn't suffered from the stress only my mind......

Hi all! Happy Saturday! Well, I'm surprisingly down another 3-1/2 lbs today! I guess something went right this week! Actually, my "family problem" has improved too, for now...

Tonight we're going out to the steak house, so that will surely be more calories than I'd like, but I can't even remember the last time I had red meat, so maybe it'll do me good to eat something different. I tend to eat pretty much the same things every day- always the same breakfast, lunch, and snacks- then rotate several dinner options over and over. I sure keep thinking about that grilled pizza, though! One of these days...

Judy, hope you're getting your groove back! I think keeping the food log is the best tool of all. That's what I missed when I stopped going to WW meetings, so I had to create my own "official" log. Just writing on a blank notebook page didn't do it for me. I'm kinda weird that way - it has to be official. Good luck!

Carol, good job on stopping after half a donut! You got me thinking about going to Lowe's to see what plants they have left. My neighbor was just telling me that she always goes and buys the sad looking perennials when they're cheap. I usually end up buying more and more annuals every year instead of investing in perennials, but I think it's time to change that!

Hope everyone has a good day!

Auntie G - Yay for losing 3-1/2 lbs.! :dancer: I'm glad your family problems have started to sort themselves out. I know so many people with family probs and it's such a pity - life is too short for hard feelings. I hope you enjoy your steak dinner. I've been craving red meat a lot lately and have had a couple of burgers - very unusual for me. I figure my body needs it since I've been feeling a bit run down.

Carol - Wow, grilled pizza sounds yummy! Your carpet rose sounds lovely. I'm looking forward to being able to work in my garden again. I'm going to look out for some perennials on sale in the fall. You asked if this was to do with my surgery a couple of weeks ago. No, it's a coincidence they found it. The type of bacteria (streptoccous viridans) only lives in the mouth - in fact just about everyone has it, but it can get into the blood stream through dental work or sinus infections. That's why dentists usually put you on antibiotics for root canals, etc. I'm a bit suspicious of my sinuses being the culprit as I've had sinus problems for years.

Judy - I hope that logging your food is working for you. It's good to keep track as it's so easy to go over by a few hundred cals. I hope the chemical smell at your workplace goes away - that must be awful.

Marie - I'm so glad things are going smoother for you and your son. I hope you are having a fun time with your sister. If I don't get a chance to post tomorrow I'm wishing you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
:bday2you:

I'm waiting on the results of my tests to see if I'll be going into the hospital next week. If so, they'll implant a port in my chest so I can get the antibiotics through an IV. I'll be in for a few days to a week and then go home and have a nurse come twice a day to do my IV - sounds like fun. I'm just hoping the test comes back negative but I need to be prepared to go through this treatment if necessary.

My Dad is still in the hospital very ill. He had a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung). He's on pain killers and feels a little better. I'm going to call my brother today to see how he's doing.

This will be quick, 'cuz soon as I logged on, I heard thunder in the distance. I'm doing better with with food, although still a bit too much. Good workouts yesterday and today, plus a long walk to buy groceries this afternoon.

Penny, it must be hard to hear about your dad's illness, with you so far away. I hope you don't need to go to the hospital next week. it all soudns very unpleasant!

Auntie G, good luck at the steak house! If you remember how hard you've worked to lose so much weight, you can make good choices. I see that you're another gardener. Well, you'll fit right in with Penny and Carol.

Carol, I hope that you and your boss start off the new week on the right foot. Maybe your boss is unhappy with the way she responded, and wants to start over, too.

Ohhh, big crack of lightening, gotta go!

judy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIE!:balloons:

Well, the steakhouse dinner was nice, but I feel like I gained 5 lbs! We stupidly didn't call ahead to get on the seating list, so after a very long wait, I was famished!:hun: I couldn't resist the rolls and butter that I hadn't planned on having.:stress: Then DH really wanted to get that deep fried battered onion, since we hardly ever go to places like that, so, well, that was a bunch of unnecessary calories. Ugh! I estimate that it was a 40 point dinner.:yikes:I think I just have to hope for not having a gain this week!

Penny, hope your test comes back negative!:crossed: And I hope your dad is recovering. Things have got to get better, right?!

Judy, good for you, getting in your workouts!:tread: I really have got to start doing that one of these days!