[cacmsc54]

Penny oh how I know with miles so far apart from loved ones it is tough when their sick. There is nothing like mom when your feeling sick. I hope your son is feeling better soon. Seems like there has been so much illness lately. Some of it I think is due to our crazy weather. Hope the hubby makes out ok too. My hubby had an inner ear infection one time and had similar symptoms. Thinking of you both.
I came home from work and made a new veggie dish with zucc. squash, garlic, fresh cob of corn, parm ch. vinegar, olive oil. It was really tasty and healthy. I finished up half of my Thai food from lunch which was veggies, rice, jalopeno peppers, carrots, sausage lean. It was quite good. I had crystal light frozen popsicle for my dessert and a peach later on. I worked in the gardens oh where do the weeds come from. Pulled lots of over grown plants as well it looks better already. I need to mulch now that will burn a few cals. The weather is suppose to be really nice today. I am going to fit in a walk at work. My back has been feeling really off lately feels like a pinched nerve. Getting up from a low chair kicks my butt as well as a few unexpected moves which seem to spark it off. It surely isn't nice... Well have a great day I am going to fit in a walk at work today.

[O2Bthin]

Today is a sad day. Our family friend passed away this morning at 7:30. Your prayers would be appreciated for the family.

I did not go to work today. I only slept about 3 hours and there is no way I can function on that amount of sleep. I stayed in bed until 10:45 which is very unusual for me. I am still very tired so it's to bed early for me tonight.

Since I was home today I decided to tackle cleaning the refrigerator. I took all the shelves out and tore it completely apart and scrubbed everything. That is another thing off of my to do list. YEAH!!

Have a great day!

Kathy

[mystical]

O2Bthin I will keep you and the family in my thoughts and prayers.
I hope you get some rest tonight don't let yourself get to tired...
Hope you have a good afternoon.

Today is my weekly weigh-in and after a roller coaster with my weight I was able to get down .5 lbs this week so that brings me to 8 lbs total for July my goal is to lose 2 more lbs by the end of the month keep your fingers crossed LOL.

[penpal]

Mystical - Keeping my fingers crossed for you for a good weigh in!

Kathy - My condolences on the passing of your friend. I will say a prayer for your friend's family. I find that doing housework helps when I'm under stress - it gives me the feeling that at least I'm in control of something. I cleaned the stove yesterday when I was so stressed about our son.

Carol thanks for your good wishes. Sorry to hear about your back - gardening will do that! I hope it gets better soon - in the meantime take it a bit easy.

Judy - I hope you are managing to stay cool in Palm Springs!

I'm doing better today in the stress department. Our DS is improving and has had a chest X-ray that showed bronchitis but not pneumonia. He has an inhaler, antibiotics and some other meds. His fever has gone down a bit and the doctor said he should have bed rest for a couple of days. He starts his new job on August 3rd, so in a way it's better he had it now than in a couple of weeks. At least he has some time to recover.

I'm staying on track and didn't let the stress of the last week shove me off the wagon! I'm finding the meal replacement shake is working well for me to stave of the munchies in the evenings.

[mystical]

Penny Glad to hear that your son is doing better! Good job on staying on track and not letting the stress get to you.

I know I have always been an emotional eater so I can relate on those issues. I haven't been able to try the shake as of yet. Until we move I have just been having whatever we can cook on the grill. I have stayed below the calories today but I feel very bloated tonight. Maybe that is because instead of chicken we had steak tonight. I don't know why but beef always seems to make me feel fat. My daughter says well Mom you are eating a cow LOL... Besides that I have had a good day. I am starting to feel better and not so tired as I use to. The eating habbits are finally in place I now have to work on getting my bootie up and motivated for the exercise program girls I might need you to push me with this LOL

Have a great night and take care!

[judydc]

Hi, ladies! I'm sorry I haven't checked in, and I'm glad to have a moment to catch up on the posts.

Penny, I'm glad that your son is on the mend. It's always something, isn't it?

Mystical, you've well on your way to reach this month's goal

Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's passing.

Carol, I'm glad you're posting more often. I was missing your recipe ideas

Well, it's hot as blazes in Palm Springs. But the conference is good, and lots of people I know from around the country are here, so that's fun. There's small swimming pools and hot tubs everywhere, so last night (when it was safely dark enough to be seen in a swim suit ) I joined some friends in the water, and hope to do so again tonight. I've gotten up early and worked out at the fitness center yesterday and today, so I'm quite proud of myself. I hope this makes up a bit for the drinks at the bar in the evening....

judy

[mystical]

I am rewarding myself with a charm bracelett if I reach my goal. Everymonth that I reach my goal of 10lbs I am going to get a charm representing 10lbs gone. This was my DH idea for me. He is my biggest supporter thank goodness I have a great support here at home. He is the best.

Does anyone have a good recipe for ranch dressing that wouldn't be to terribly high in calories?

[cacmsc54]

Mystical I like that reward system sounds like a good one but 10lb a month isn't so easy maybe you should lower it to a little less? Making it a goal that is more easily reached nothing wrong with that. I could put down a lot less and still struggle to reach it. Having a goal reward is a powerful tool. Marie has in the past reached many interesting rewards. Maybe I should set one for myself. Just a thought anyways. Good luck to you and by your chart your doing well.
Judi I wish we could swim I only went one time so far our weather hasn't been so great here this yr. Suppose to be better soon so they say. I am looking for my flight to HI got any good sites to purchase a ticket at a great rate? I am thinking of going in Sept. Enjoy that pool and the good company.
My latest recipe for veggies: 3 garlic cloves, olive oil in pan saute, add zucc. squash, little onion diced, then take a cob of corn peel the husk, remove the corn from the cob add it to the sauted mixture little salt and pepper, 1T. water, con't to cook for 4min. shut off put 2 T. parm ch., 2 T. white vinegar cover let sit 5 min. done oh so good a meal in itself with a salad.
Marie how are your puppies? Doing any stained glass work this summer?
Penny hope everything is going well?
Blood work on mon. to ck thyroid etc. I haven't been on the scale but wearing clothes from year before and feeling comfy. I am trying to make better choices questioning myself before eating or getting it ready. Less meat more veggies and beans.
Yesterday I had a real me day. Went and got my hair done took 3 hrs. dyed, high low look, trim, then off to meet my daughter we had a manicure and pedicure our Bday gift oh so nice. I never get a manicure. But for 12 bucks I am not sure why I don't. Oh well in the future I will go more often. First lets see how long it lasts. My me day started at 12:00 pm and ended at 7:00pm now that was really something. It was wonderful I think we all deserve a little me time once in awhile. Well I am off to a friends wedding this afternoon. I introduced her to the hubby to be. I am doing the toast hope it goes okay I better have a glass of red wine first to relax. Hah hah.
Take care. I hope to kayak on sunday if the weather permits.

[penpal]

Mystical - I like having rewards for small goals too. I especially like having an "at home" day spa. I bought some nice facial items like masks, lotions, cucumber gel, etc. You asked about low cal ranch dressing. Here is recipe I like for low cal ranch dressing (just 16 calorie per tbsp.) http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/buttermilk_ranch.html

Judy - I'm glad you're surviving the heat in Palm Springs. It's nice you got a chance to take a dip in the pool to cool off.

Carol - I like your veggie recipe, I'll have to give it a try. I hope your thyroid test turns out ok. I take Nature Thyroid (prescription) and it seems to be keeping my thyroid levels normal. I hope you had a nice time at the wedding.

I just got back from working at the Highland Games here in town. Our group sells refreshments there. It was pretty hot - about 85 deg. but a lot cooler than yesterday when the thermometer nearly hit 100 deg.

I've had several friends come down with cancer in the last month or so, so it's been hard. It just reinforces my attitude that you have to enjoy every day God sends and 'stop to smell the roses'.

I'm still on track for losing my pound this week (weigh in on Sunday). I'm glad I haven't given in to stress eating with all that's been going on lately. At least I don't have to deal with the guilt too!

[judydc]

Penny, thanks for the reminder that every day is a blessing! I hope that your weigh-in went well. Congratulations on not giving in to the stress eating

Carol, I hope you got in some kayaking today! That would give you a whole "me" weekend. Good work on getting back down to last summer's clothes . Re plane tickets, I use the usual sites for travel deals, like Expedia, then go to the airline's sites to see if they can beat it. I call the travel agent if it's something complicated or unusually high--the charge can be worth it.

Mystical, I like your charm bracelet treats! That's a good way to remind yourself of how far you've come.

It feels good to be back home! I did half an hour with the trainer , then over an hour of cardio machines. I'll be sitting in a hot bath tonight! I think I will deem this coming week to be National Whoosh Week. I feel good, light and toned, but the scale is not getting with the program, so I'd better think of a way to shake things up a bit.

judy

[mystical]

Ok ladies just letting you know that I will not be here for about a week I am packing up the computer tomorrow to get ready for our move Thursday yeah it's finally here. I will check in just as soon as I can. Keep up the good work!

My weight has been up and down still but I am sure that is because I can't eat like I was since everything is packed away dishes and all so I am just eating tuna sandwiches and things so I think I am retaining some water can't wait to get back to the normal foods I cook.... Have a great week ladies talk to you soon.

[O2Bthin]

Hi All. This past week has been a very emotional time. I appreciate all your prayers for my friends family. Please continue to pray for them as they are struggling with some major family issues.

I haven't done much walking lately, but I did get a lot of walking in today. We took our kids to Dorney Park which is an amusement park. The only ride my DH and I rode were the 2 train rides. The rest of the time we walked or just sat on a bench and enjoyed each others company. It was relaxing to me because I was not at work and I didn't have to hear the phone ring or have people always wanting my attention. In spite of not doing much I'm exhausted. I'll sleep good tonight.

This week I lost 2.8lbs. I was so excited when I got on the scales. YEAH.

I trust each of you are doing well. I have not had a chance to read your post, but since I'm on vacation this week I can catch up with what's happening with everyone.

Have a great week!

Kathy

[marbear24]

Kathy - great job on the 2.8lbs! especially with an emaotional week - those are usually my downfall!

I've been rather passive with the forum this past week. I read it eveyday, but don't have the gumption to write anything. Perhaps that's because I don't really have anything going on.

I'm glad to see that everyone is doing well.
Have a great day!
M

[penpal]

Judy - I'm glad to hear you're feeling fitter. Your new exercise regimen must be working. I hope the scale soon cooperates for you.

Mystical - I hope your move went well.

Kathy - Congrats on the 2.8 lbs. loss! Your friends are in my prayers.

Marbear - I hope you are having a good week.

I've been yo-yoing up and down a pound this week so I hope the scale's needle will stop at the right place on Sunday (my official weigh in day). My DH's dizziness seems to be getting better. It turned out he had an ear infection and the doctor gave him some medicine for it which is helping. Our DS has been offered a full time job at the firm he was working at part-time after the architectural firm he works for furloughed him to 4 days a week. He is very happy, even though it's a cut in pay, as he feels he has a good chance for advancement and he really likes the company. The house he's renting is going into foreclosure, so he's thinking about making an offer and buying it as it's a fairly new house.

We decided to turn our unused living room into a TV room and have bought a 46" HDTV. We also have two Lazy Boy recliners on order (my DH prefers to say Lazy Guy and Lazy Gal) . It's fantatic to watch the Tour de France on the big TV. The scenery is amazing and it's almost like being there. I'm looking forward to trying some on my exercise DVD's on it.

[judydc]

Penny, I have been laughing at the image of you leaning back in your recliner, watching exercise DVDs on your big-screen TV . I work out in front of my couch in my little living room, but your room sounds much more comfy. It's good to hear that things are looking up for your son.

Marbear, don't worry about having big news whenever you post. I just appreciate being reminded that others out there are struggling with the same challenges that I am, and sometimes under more difficult circumstances. Hope you're feeling okay...but it's okay if you need to vent.

Kathy, ditto on the congratulations! I'm glad that you enjoyed a little down time with your hubby.

I had a session with the trainer at 8:45 last night! Apparently that time is popular with guys who congregate in the gym's main strength-training area, so I was a little out of sorts at first. But as I have a crush on my trainer (at my age!) I got over it. My next session will be the opposite extreme--6 AM Monday morning. I'm eating well, I think, and feeling good. The scale hasn't budged yet. I had a consultation with a dental specialist this morning. I expected to be talking some big numbers, but Oh. My. God.

judy