Happy Friday Ladies
 

Miki you marathon woman! Five miles..you so rock...you should have your hubby rub your feet!:smug: Oh yes, my friend is picking up the quinoa today so I will most likely try it this weekend. I think I will make a tuna, quinoa salad and see how that turns out.

I didnt cycle yesterday but I will be washing and waxing my car today after work so that alone will be quite the workout!

I know what you mean Miki..its very frustrating not losing but you will...your body is being stubborn and doesnt want to give up those pounds.

My Mom is doing fine on her new meds...her aggresion has deminished and she is more relaxed and less aggravated which is very good for us...I can rest a little more and the evenings are not as stressful as they once were. But, her alzheimers is slowly winning the battle and little by little there is less of my mother and more of this horrible illness. She is basically now my child ...sad how the roles have reversed. She asks for permission to do anything even if she wants to get a drink of water. It breaks my heart. Anyway, I dont want to sadden you guys...such is life and some parts of life are very hard to deal with.

Hey Deanna ...long time no hear..good that you are back and keep at it with the weight loss...slow but sure if way better than no weight loss. Sorry to hear about your car problems...but it seems that you are a very strong handy gal and I am sure you will figure out a way to make things work.

well Ladies, have a wonderful weekend.

Cyan

Hi, everyone! I'm so excited today! My boss told me to take the day off to be with my kids. I've been struggling all summer with being away from them with the full-time hours I've been working--never this much in the summer before. A couple of days a week they would go with their grandmother, but the other three they would be by themselves. They can't go outside--remember, we're city dwellers--I just won't allow it, except in case of emergency. No internet, no phone calls except from me, so how interesting is that for 12 1/2 and 8 1/2 year-old-girls? There's only so much you can do inside other than chores, TV, the same games over and over, books, and Barbie dolls. And I've missed them terribly. Anyway, today it will be baking, crafts, puzzles, all the things they've been wanting to do with me at home this summer, and we've not done. We're not going shopping or anything like that, though--just home stuff. This evening I'm going to cut the grass and work in the yard (today's workout) because the hot weather is coming back tomorrow, and I just can't stand being outside when it's hot. I don't know how you take it, Miki. Maybe it's just my time of life--I've been getting hot flashes lately, and my tolerance of heat in general is not too good.

Anyway, my eating has been pretty good. For the most part, I have lost my craving for carbs like bread, cereals, sweets. If I think of eating them, I actually am turned off. Poor hubby--Monday is his birthday, and I've decided that I don't really want to eat any of the cake the girls are going to make for him today. I considered the pros and cons, and I've just decided it's not for me right now. If he's hurt, I'll remind him of how much he will like the results if I continue losing weight. I'm sure he won't mind then.

Let me give you a rundown of how I'm eating, and some of the things I'm learning about my body. First, my plan consists of protein in the form of meat, fish, soy, and cheese, and then vegetables and fruit. I do allow myself up to three Wasa crispbread lites per day for variety and to give me somewhere to spread my soy nut butter and cream cheese. One of the goals of the protein is to satisfy me so I don't want to eat between meals. I've been doing well with that. Fruit I'm careful of so I don't overdo on the sugar. Lots of my veggies are raw so I can chew (I love chewing) and get fiber. I don't restrict fat in my protein sources, but I don't really feel like going nuts with it. I also eat butter, regular cream cheese, regular salad dressing, and mayonnaise. They taste good and satisfy. I really don't crave excessive amounts of them. I do drink milk and eat plain yogurt (with artificial sweetener) despite the sugar content so I won't feel deprived.

Here's my general plan. I'm flexible so if I don't feel like eating a particular thing at a particular time, I don't have to, because I want to feel emotionally comfortable about what I am eating to avoid binging.

BREAKFAST: Protein and 2 cups of coffee w/powdered creamer--also metamucil to add some extra fiber. I like a couple of cheese roll-ups--cheese wrapped in lunch meat. I've also tried Atkins shakes and breakfast bars for this meal, but they don't satisfy me. I've found out that having fruit for breakfast leaves me hungry sooner than protein alone, which is why I don't eat fruit for breakfast. (Also, remember, I don't eat eggs--they make me sick.) I also take a multivitamin and one of those chewable calcium supplements then. Mine tastes like chocolate, so I get enough of a taste daily to satisfy that desire.

LUNCH: Protein, 1 cup of veggies, 1 cup of fruit (or two cups of fruit and no veggies if I'm sick of veggies at the moment), a Wasa crispbread. There are a lot of ways to do this lunch. I just plug in food that works, and I eat whatever fat goes with it naturally. Right now, the fruits I'm eating are strawberries, melon, grapes, and apples (the latter in moderation because of high sugar).

DINNER: A good sized portion of protein and 2 cups of veggies. If I want milk, it would probably be at this meal. After dinner I have one cup of coffee w/ powdered creamer. (I drink regular coffee--caffeine addict and loving it--will not give it up.)

BEFORE BED SNACK (I can't fall asleep on an empty stomach): 1-2 cups fruit and protein to satisfy.

OTHER SNACKS: Sometimes I feel hungry in the late afternoon. I keep an Atkins Advantage bar or shake around because they fill in a gap like this, and the protein and fat in these bars satisfy me for a couple of hours. They also keep me from having to make a choice and help to prevent boredom. I've used the shake before bed with fruit too, and it was a good choice.

THINGS I'VE LEARNED ABOUT MY OWN PERSONAL BODY: Watch the salt in the meat I eat (sausage, etc.)--I retain fluid very easily. Make water my choice of thirst quenching beverage 80% of the time. It keeps me regular, I feel better physically, and I think I lose weight more when I drink water more. I can't help it, but I weigh myself daily--don't put much stock in it, but if I've eaten salt or drunk a lot of pop instead of water the previous day, the scale always goes up. If I drink more water and use diet pop or iced tea, etc. as an occasional treat, the scale number stays the same or drops. I'm not much of a water person, but I like it better if I use a straw to drink or have ice in it. Who knows?

I'm very interested, Cyan, in that quinoa you are going to try. Let me know what it is like. I do miss pasta with tomato sauce. I'm planning to get some low-carb pasta, but if there's an alternative, I'd like to know abut it. I have a good health food store about 10 miles from here that has lots of stuff like that.

Anyway, I've given you an outline of what's going on foodwise, as I told you I would. There are components of Atkins, but I've given it my personal twist. Exercise is still a troublespot. That is the next area I am working on. I'm having trouble sticking to the walking. For now, I'm trying to find some heavy physical activity in my day to act as a workout. Well, I think I'm going to stop now. By now you're probably either bored or have eyestrain. Have a nice weekend, everyone! ;)

Hey everyone! Apparently the post that I thought I posted yesterday did not post at all. Weird! Anyways, it took me until yesterday to get my self back into order after my 4 day trip to Vegas. I put on ten pounds in water weight alone! How crazy. I knew I was swollen and instead of holding off, glutton for punishment that I am, I jumped on the scale. The good news is that I only put on a pound in the past week. Whew! The 18 miles of walking must have done my body good.

Hi ya'll..just a very quick post. It's almost midnite and I still havent packed for our mini-vacation this week...we leave in the morning. I think we're going to Hot Springs, AR. There's plenty to do there for the whole family. That isnt written in stone, we've changed our destination plan about 5 times today already.:lol: Guess when we get there, we'll know where we went.:D :lol: Anyway, just wanted to check in before we left. Not sure when we'll be back..for sure by the end of the week. I walked 32 1/2 miles from Sunday thru Friday.:cb: Hopefully I'll get lots of walking in this week altho in a more fun way...sightseeing, etc. Didnt walk yesterday or today but I had a major workout. No time now but I'll tell ya'll about it when I get back. Everyone have a great week!!

Miki :)

I think I have been to hot springs before. I lived in OKC for a few years and we drove to Branson MO and then went a scenic route down south to go back home. It seemed like a cute little town with lots of shops. Is that about right? I remember thinking that I would want to go there for a girls weekend sometime. That never happened of course. I am sure you will have fun no matter what you end up doing. I sometimes think we have more fun when we plan less.

Hello girls! Well, I have great news! I just weighed myself and I've finally broke 20 pounds! I've lost a total of 20.5 pounds! I'm so excited! I have 35.5 more to go till my goal weight! YIPEE!!!

School is out for the summer! Another YIPPEE!! I have 3 weeks of rest and relaxation untill "real" school starts. By "real" I mean 4 days a week of four to eight hours of lecture and/or clinicals. Twenty hours or more of studying and homework and getting my kids to their schools or daycare. Actually.....I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!

I do have to confess that I haven't been to the gym in over a week! So........ I need a cyber kick..please. I'll just bend over and take it. Don't be gentle or kind...just let me have it.

I'm also still waiting to see if I got the job at the hospital. I've had two interviews so far and I'm waiting to hear the verdict. I am a very impatient person so all this waiting is killing me! I guess if I don't get the job it just wasn't meant to be. Oh well.

That's all for now!

Lisa

Hi, everyone! Sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days. Yesterday was hubby's birthday, and on Sunday we went shopping at a big outlet mall near here to celebrate. Good news at my weigh-in Sunday--I lost 2 more pounds for a total of 5.5. I can feel clothes being looser. Last night I had a small piece of birthday cake with a little ice cream--it didn't taste very good to me, but I was hungry a lot later--I think the sweets messed with my blood sugar/insulin.

Lisa, congratulations on breaking the 20 pound mark. I know that's a real victory for you. Keep up the good work, and thanks again for inspiring me to give losing another try.

Today I am working from home--all day--don't even have to go into the office!! I've needed a block of time to get lots of inventory data entry in, and the office is not the place to do it, nor is home after a full day's work. I also need a quiet environment--hopefully my girls will cooperate today.

I've not really been walking--I feel very behind with everything in my life, and it seems like just one more burden right now. I did spend a lot of time in my yard on Friday night--heavy yard work--and I'm going to pull weeds out of my back alley flower bed this evening after 7:30 or so. It may be that the best workouts for me right now are going to be heavier housework or doing lifting or other physical work on the job--something I need to do anyway--so I can catch up on a few things. I'll try to find an activity like that each day and report on what I do. Cyan, if I don't even stick to THIS type of daily exercise, I think I'm going to have to get one of those cyber kicks of yours.

Miki, I hope you're enjoying your vacation. It sounds like fun. I've never been to Hot Springs. Weather here is nice again--about 80 for a high. Overall, we're having a cooler, wetter than normal summer here in Chicago.

Well, I've got to go. There are several inventory lists waiting for me. Have a good day everyone! ;)

Good Afternoon Ladies
 

Man oh man am I ever swamped here at work...I cant keep up...:stars:

Anyway, Wow Lisa congrats on 20 plus pounds lost and gone forever...amazing..what an inspiration...you rock! But, you asked for it...here it comes...>>>>>>>>POW<<<<<<<<....:encore: let me know if you need another one! But seriously, you are doing great on your weight loss plan...keep it up.

Hey Newie...my cyber foot is warmed up..so let me know if you need some cyber encouragement. I dont know how this whole cyber kick thing got started...but I am not a violent person...its all in fun...;)

Well, as usual, I gotta get back to work before the feeling goes away and I dont feel like working.

Big hug to everyone...I will be weighing in at the end of July and I sure do hope I have good news.

Cyan

Hi everybody! Missed ya'll this week! We ended up going to Hot Springs for 3 days, then to Hope, AR to visit one sis, then on to Shreveport, LA to visit another sis. Got home late this afternoon and called my other sis, the one who lives close, to come walk. We got in 3 miles so I was glad about that. We both really missed our walks this week.

We didnt do extremely bad with the eating but there was one meal at Wendy's, one at Burger King, one at Waffle House, and today all u can eat Pizza. I guess in 5 days on vacation, it could have been much worse right?:^: lol Took some healthy type stuff with us so some of the time, we ate in the motel.

I think in Hot Springs I probably got in enough exercise. The amusement park meant lots of walking and most of it up and down hills. My favorite part of the trip was riding the roller coaster 3 times in a row. I LOVE ROLLERCOASTERS!!!!:spin: My kids got tired of it before I did.:lol:

I weighed every day this week just to keep a check. (once was in the MidAmerica Science Musuem...they had a scale that told your "earth" weight and one that told your weight if you were on the sun.:cool: ) So far, I havent gained so that's a relief. Not sure that pizza has settled in yet tho so tomorrow might be a different story.:ink:

Sounds like it's been a busy week for everybody else too. I am not looking forward to going back to work next week.:(

Tomorrow hubby and I are letting the kids spend the nite at his parents so the two of us can go shopping, catch a movie, go out to eat, and spend the nite in a motel about 60 miles from here. That should be nice...just the two of us...Cant wait!;)

May not be able to post again til next week but Monday things should be back to normal around here. I'll catch up with all of you then.

Ya'll have a great weekend!

MIKI

Hi, everyone! I've not been very good at posting this week--haven't been sleeping well, but kept up my usual pace. Last night was a wonderful sleeping night, so I feel pretty good this morning. It's Friday, so that helps too.

On Wednesday I walked a mile on the track--felt good and relieved stress too. Yesterday I helped unload two trucks at work--definitely an upper body workout. Today I am working in the store--straightening and putting out new stock for the back-to-school season, so the whole day will be a workout for me.

I'm dealing with gas pains in my stomach--probably due to the veggies on this low carb plan I'm on--as I've mentioned, eggs bother me, and I've had problems with broccoli in the past. Also, I'm sure drinking coffee doesn't help. I also take ibuprofen if I have a headache. I've had problems with stress causing stomach problems for me in the past--my doc knows about this. Anyway, I have to take a look at a few things. I've tried Beano, which seems to help, but I don't use it all the time. Anyway, it's something else to work on.

It sounds like you had a good vacation, Miki, and that weekend coming up sounds even better.

Take care, everyone--hope to hear from you soon.

Hi everyone!

Yes, it's me! I'm sorry I have not posted for so long but I have spent most of the summer so far at the lake house...no phone, computer or cable. We have been so busy doing renovations and trying to get contractors that my days are so busy there has been no time for anything!

Miki, thank you for the card..it waws nice to know that I was missed!

Lisa, I am so impressed...20 pounds!

Deana, bet you are counting the days until you are home!

Well, I am only home for the day so I have tons to do. Hopefully I can write more tonight

Hello Ladies
 

Hey Debbie..good to hear that your summer is funfilled.

Miki...looks like you had a blast on your vacation and kudos for not gaining any weight...you rock girl:cp:

Newie..i hope you feel better soon:( Gas sucks!

Oh, I tried the quinoa and its rather nice...I mixed in with tuna and turned it into a tuna salad. So I recommend it. It would also make a great soup thickener...instead of potato or pasta...its glutenfree! and lots of protein.

Well as usual I am at work but TGIF ....yippee I love fridays.

Exercising has been on and off, eating, has been on and off...I recently bought myself a box of ritz crackers...big big mistake...I ate the whole box in a matter of days ....I also bought a jar of cheez whiz to go along with those crackers...thats gone too...I feel awful..I know I shouldnt buy those food items...I had a momentary loss of good judgement.

So I havent gained anything but I have only lost 3 pounds ...buts it 3 pounds that I have lost way too many times to count...which really means I am back at square one. I cant seem to go below 167...I am stuck stuck stuck...how frustrating. Ok sorry for the vent

I will try yet again...at least this tuesday I am back playing badminton...my friends ankle has healed up and he is wanting to play again....men...geez...accident prone.

ok later ladies
have a great weekend

Cyan

Just a quick post....about to head to bed. I had a very nice weekend. This past week was loads of fun but back to the grind on Monday.:dizzy:

Debee, So glad to hear from you finally! I was worried. It was so cool signing in to see you were back!:grouphug: We all missed you.

Cyan, reading about your crackers reminded me. I had forgotten but one day on vacation, I had bought some Low Fat Wheat Thins. Ended up eating half the box that day I think!:o I dont think the low fat term meant that the calories didnt count:^: And I was WISHING I had some of that cheese too.:lol:

Newie, congrats on the 5 lb loss so far! Cant beat the feeling of clothes getting looser huh?:) I actually bought a pair of pants and a blouse today both Size 16! I couldnt believe it...I'm sure maybe they're sized big but who cares?? :D This time last year in that same brand, I had to get a 22. Oh and I bought a new bra...my last one was 42D and this time I had to get a 42 C. No number change but the cup size did.

Lisa, you're more than halfway to your goal. That is sooo exciting!! Keep it up.:) I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you about that job. Enjoy this next 3 weeks..they'll pass way too fast ya know.

Jlmsandi, Taiwan, Reina...how are things going with you? Busy as usual I'm sure. Hope you're all enjoying your weekend.

Ummm..didnt I say this was gonna be a QUICK post?? Guess I forgot.:dizzy: :lol:

Miki

This will be quick. Actually last night I wrote, but hit the wrong button--grrrrrrrrrrrrr!! hate it when I do that.

Still here and still breathing:-) Youth camp (which our church hosted) was last week. Now that's over we have 30 days till we go back to the states (but who is counting right?!) We had 132 campers, it went great though.

I am now down to 185!!! I started back on Xenical as I went off it while at camp--didn't need to be running to the bathroom:-0 I haven't had any affects. I will be watching my eating more when I get to the states. Right now it's basically trying not to stress eat!!! We have many things to do and line up before we leave.

well, I snuck up here after church:-) so I better get off. The girls are watching Josiah, better rescue them as he has been a real bear lately.

Typhoon going through here, so lots of rain--yeah!!!


deana

Hi, everyone! It's Monday--I wish it wasn't. I could use some personal time to do what I want to--not just take care of everyone else. I hope everyone's weekend was good.

I'm glad you had a good time on your trips, Miki. It all sounds just great. Congrats on buying the smaller sizes of clothes. It means so much when you can find something to wear, and the size isn't huge!

I haven't lost anything this week--probably because I haven't been exercising consistently and am a little short on the water. I'm just going to keep plugging away--won't give up.

I really don't have much to talk about this morning, so I'm going to cut this short. Take care, everybody. Talk to you all tomorrow.

Hey girls. I have a weird question....I don't have time to go back and read the posts, but I was trying to remember who it was that had a neighbor that lost weight and was on the cover of a magazine??? I think it was Debee....but I'm not sure. I think the girl on the cover of the magazine was my Doctor's sister.....Let me know...that would be cool!

Okay...talk to ya later!

Lisa

Good Morning Ladies
 

Its Monday...argh! but such is life!

The weather here has been very gray and its supposed to rain all week long.

Good to hear that everyone is doing great on their diets and exercises.

I dont have much time to post but I just wanted to say hello.


talk to you later

Cyan

Raindrops are falling on my roof---lalalalala since 4am Sunday morning. Just gotta love typhoon/rainy season. Flooding near our house, but we won't have any problems.

Hey, how can I cut this soda (pop) habit? it's getting me no where!!!! we had Chinese tonight (not unusual being in Taiwan:p) dh cooked. Though Josiah ate half of my food and there was nothing left when I went for seconds. Not good, I am hungry now.
Miki--I just realized you posted about buying a smaller size--that's awesome! that's alot of sizes in just one year. It will all pay off.
Well, ladies, rainy weather is great sleeping weather. Good night all.

Deana

Hi, everyone! I walked one mile yesterday! I would have liked to do more, but time got in the way. I'm needing my girls to go back to school--need structure and routine badly--it will also help my exercise time. Only 3 more weeks--August 25 is the day!

I'm feeling very blah lately for some reason--don't know why--wishing for private time, I think--also, I'm so behind around my house--can never seem to finish anything. There's just so much to do. Any of you have any thoughts of how you've dealt with that? I get very discouraged, and I don't want to eat over it. I'm also down over struggles with my 12 1/2 year-old daughter. It has been very rocky lately. I know the whole thing is normal at this stage, but it can be extremely upsetting and exhausting to deal with. It seems like 75% of all of our conversations turn into confrontations.

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. I think I'm going to put some clothes on and go for a walk. That will help me feel better. See you all later.

Happy Tuesday Ladies
 

hey Taiwan..rain drops are falling on my roof too...its been raining off and on for a few days now and its supposed to continue raining until next tuesday...ahhhhhhh a whole week of this gray humid dreary weather. So I am feeling you sister!

Hey Newie..good on you for putting in one mile of walking. And before you know it...its back to school time! :s: heheheh

Man, if I could afford to take a day off this week...this day would be it...I am not at all in the mood to be slaving away at work...i wish I could just get up and go somewhere pretty for a little while...I miss my travelling care free days....Ok sorry for the wet blanket attitude...I am getting over it...ok all gone:lol:

Well I weighed in this morning and I have lost 5 pounds! I have been cutting back on carbs and increasing my protein...I am trying to have protein with all my meals. I continue not to eat after 8pm but I have been very slackish with my exercises...my excuse is...its too humid:p I know, I gotta get back to them. So now I weigh 162 pounds! I finally broke that darn barrier of 167....cheers to me:cp: I was on that plateau for 7 months...it took seven months to finally lose 5 pounds...how tough is this...I think this is the hardest thing I have done in my whole entire life. So let see if I continue to lose now that I finally got off this darn plateau.

Alright then, as usual, I am at work so I best be getting off.

Cyan

Just dropping a note to say YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for Cyan, your patience has paid off my friend. You are the queen now. A big inspiration to us.

Newie--like Cyan said , school time will be here before you know. I would suggest a book, The 5 Love Langueages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman (I think that's the author). It's a great book, they have it for children and adults too. Yup, it's a stage, hormones development, you name it. Try not to take it personal though;-) Maybe spend some individual time with her teaching her baking or doing something that she wants to do. I don't know, just an idea.
Our teen girls have come here basically through that stage (though they have lots of extra baggage and many other issues). It's hard on everyone I know. Praying for you.

Well, it's late. Joshua is brushing his teeth. Only 29 days til we get back.

Cyan, Hooray!!!!!!!:cb: :cp: :cheers: :dance: Didnt it feel great to finally see that scale move?? I'm hoping it rubs off on me too..hoping for a loss on Friday. I'm really trying hard altho it has been 10 weeks for me at 199. Plateaus are the PITS.

Lisa, I think you're right. It was Debee who knew someone on a magazine cover. How is your summer going now that you have some time off from your studies?

Newie, I'm like you...I'm ready for school to start..Except that means homework again and Luke and I dont get along well during Math homework. Not looking forward to that part, but it's easier having a normal schedule.

Taiwan, way to go to you too for getting off that plateau! I wanna be next!!:p

Anyone heard from Reina lately? I guess Debee is still working hard at the lake house. Really wish LadyRider would check back in.

Jlmsandi, how are you? Having a good week so far, I hope.

I hope I didnt miss anyone. If I did, I promise it was unintentional. I'm just got back from walking 2miles all by my lonesome. My sis couldnt go tonite. It's no fun going alone. Anyway, I need to get a shower and I'm hot and tired and stinky and cant think straight right now. Talk to ya'll later!

MIKI

Hi, everyone! Great to read the posts this morning--woke up at 4 and couldn't go back to sleep. Guess what? I walked 1 3/4 miles yesterday! It felt so good! I want that weight loss to continue, so I've got to get the exercise in. Work will help that too--our Back-to-School season has set in at the store. I worked in the store all day yesterday and helped customers non-stop pretty much for 6 hours. It will be that way for sure for the next 3 weeks--maybe longer, depending on individual school starting dates.

Thanks, Taiwan, for the recommendation of that book. I'll see if I can find it in a local bookstore. Thanks also to you and Miki for your encouragement and reassurance. I'll keep hanging in there with the whole adolescent thing. I think the hardest thing for me is when I don't handle things well. I end up feeling very discouraged and rotten about myself, plus frustrated at my daughter.

Congratulations, Cyan, on your weight loss! It must have been very discouraging to be on a plateau for such a long time, but you really stuck with it, and it finally paid off. Your progress is an inspiration to me, as I feel quite sure that I am going to have to kick and scratch for every pound I lose.

I introduced low-carb bread back into my food plan this week--2 slices for breakfast with sugarless peanut butter. I was feeling bored and deprived, which is not a good thing for me. Also, last night I had a bowl of cereal--not sugary--before bed. I was craving it, and I figured I should just get it over with so I wouldn't binge on something else. I am pleased to say that I am still off the sugar, eat no potatoes or full calorie bread, and I've tried the low-carb pasta. It's made of soy. Alone it tastes like nothing--not too good--but it takes on the flavor of the sauce I eat it with, which makes for a good meal. I've been staying away from the veggies I determined were giving me gas, and have been taking Beano with any suspect veggies I do have. I also changed my coffee from French Roast (it was on sale; I don't usually buy that grind) to regular roast. My tummyaches have subsided considerably since I did that, so coffee was at least part of the culprit. I'll reintroduce one gassy veggie at a time, with Beano, to see whether it was the coffee and the veggies, or just the coffee.

Well, got to go. I am going to work in my garden a little this morning after I make hubby's lunch. With all the rain we've had lately, it's pretty much a rain forest out there with all the weeds mixed in with flowers and grass. It's bingo tonight, so if you don't hear from me tomorrow morning--it will have been quite a day, and I'll be sleeping in till 6:30! See you all later.

Hi, everyone! I made it through yesterday--worked an hour in the garden, went to work--literally exercised from 9:30 till 2--straightened store, put out stock, and helped customers. Then went home, went to bingo and worked there till 9 p.m. I'm beat today. I'll be walking and bending more at work today, so I'm not going to do the walk this morning, given how tired I am. If I overdo after the bingo day, I'll be worthless all weekend, and I'm planning lots of yard work on Saturday and Sunday. At 3:30 today I have to drive my oldest to the orthodontist--50 miles each way. We'll get home about 6. I'll see what my energy level is before I decide whether to do any yard work or housework tonight. I have to say that I am feeling more energy lately than I used to. I wonder if it is the 5 lb. weight loss and the more healthy way I am eating these days.

I hope everybody is doing well. I'm looking forward to today's posts. More later.

Good Morning Ladies
 

Just a quick post...all is well...I had a craving last night for a tomato feta onion salad with olive oil and vinegar and oregano...sooooooooo good...but it was 9pm when I ate it! :^:
At least the feta cheese was low fat.

Hey Newie...wow 50 miles each way...lots of driving...what Moms do for their kids.:dizzy:

Anyway...I gotta get back to the grind of web developement..talk to you later and have a great op day

Cyan

Wow, Newie...so busy! A mom's work is never done huh? Sounds like you're getting a good workout thru it all.

Cyan, that salad sounds yummy. I had grilled chicken salad tonite to try to make up for the 3 brownies I ate today!:^: :o

I only had time to walk 2 miles today. Probably wont have time at all tomorrow because of an extra busy schedule but hoping to get those miles on up there this weekend.

It's almost the weekend..Hooray!:D Everyone have a great one!

Miki

Happy friday Ladies
 

I love fridays...its so weird...just the other day..it was monday...it seems like the days between monday and friday vanish!

Well, I am continuing with my protein with every meal plan...and I am slowly getting used to it...I try to keep my protein intake for the day at 30% of my total calories...it is very challenging for me to do this. Anyway....

have a great weekend everyone and stay OP

Cyan

Hi, everyone! I am working from 1 to 8 today, so I get to spend the morning at home. I've been going so much lately that I have been keeping my workouts to job-related activity--I walk from one end of the store to the other all day anyway during this season--and I don't mean a strolling pace either. Tomorrow I'm going to spend most of my day out in the yard gardening and mowing the grass, so I'm resting up for that too. You wouldn't believe the weeds I have in my flowers and outside my back fence!--it's shameful.

I had an interesting but scary event yesterday. Our cat swallowed a 2-inch piece of yarn--tore it right off the ball my daughter had in her hand while she was playing with her! I've heard that swallowed linear objects in cats can be dangerous, so I called the vet for advice. They told me that if no vomiting, diarrhea, or yarn hanging out from the rectum (yuk!--they said not to pull it--ugh!!--I don't think I'd want to) happened within approximately 24 hours, she'd probably have no ill effects. It's been over 24 hours, and nothing bad has happened, but I plan to watch her for a few days more, nonetheless. Maybe she'll pass it. (I just love watching poop.) Also, no cat in my house is going to even look at yarn again. Cyan--have you had any experience of this type with your cats? It really scared me.

I'm doing okay on the food, I guess. The slow weight loss is rather frustrating, as I know you all know. I'm going to keep sticking with it, though, since I know from all of you that it will pay off in the end. Yesterday I ate Subway salad for lunch and McDonald's salad for dinner. Too much lettuce and not enough real food. Because they didn't satisfy me, I ate 2 slices of low carb bread with butter and a 2-cup bowl of Life cereal in the evening. I really need to keep the protein level up.

Well, got to go--it's 11:22. I've got an hour before I leave for work. Talk to you later.

Happy weekend ladies
 

Man its been hot and humid and gray in montreal...ugh

One of my refrigerators broke...and I lost all of my food in the breezer and fridge...I was so angry because I had shrimp and sole and frozen lunch diet food...and soy milk and....not fair...all gone....we have an upstairs kitchen we dont use often and I guess it must have stopped working a few days ago because everything was warm....so now I gotta get it fixed or buy a new fridge...very angry about this.

Newie..I have not had Molly or Cyan eat yarn..although when Molly was a kitten, she did have a penchant for dust bunnies..she would fish them out from underneath our appliances and eat them:fr: that sure gave me a fright..but she gave that up..she must of had a bad experience:lol: with a dust bunny. She now prefers carbs and fatty meats...cheese, cats milk and bacon...strangley enough..she is very thin..weighs about 7 pounds soaking wet...naturally thin I guess..she's abyssinian.

Cyan is a gourment kinda cat...stritckly finer cuts of meat, shrimp and his favorite lobster....he only gets that on his birthday...and christmas. Shrimp he gets a couple of times per week along with chicken breast...yes I know, I over indulge my cats...but to me they are my furchildren. Cyan is a big boy..weighs in at 17 pounds but he is not fat...he's big boned and a wild abyssinian..his dad weighed 17 pounds too.

Anyway, its late ..have a great rest of weekend

Cyan

Hi everyone...just a quick hello. How is everybody doing? Good, I hope. I didnt get to walk Fri or Sat, but yesterday I walked 2 miles and today 3 so I'll eventually get them back up there. Anyway, really busy so cant stay. just wanted to ck in...Later!

MIKI

Just checking in to say hi to all. Went to the dr's yesterday to have an endo....something or other done. Nothing serious, just an intestinal infection. He figures I have been hungry but ignored the pains and kept going on. Pretty much on target. We don't have set times to eat, especially dinner. I pretty much have to wait til everyone gets back from basketball to start eating. And that can be around 7pm. So dr said to eat more smaller meals and not just 3main meals.
I did ask him about the Xenical and he said it wouldn't cause any problems at all. Actually he said it was a safe medicine.

Well, as of today I am at 183lbs!!!!!!!!!! already 2lbs below my prepregnancy weight!!!!! i am so happy. My clothes are starting to feel great too. And I am getting compliments. I know if I exercised and all it would be even better. This is helping get a great jumpstart on things.
Hey, did I tell you all about pix I put on our website of the boys? www.morninglightministries.org check out the photos page. The top one is from 2 weeks ago.

Well, need to clean my house:p not fun, but such is life.

Hi, everyone! I've been alternately very busy and crabby over the last few days, which is why I haven't posted. Saturday I spent about 6 hours in the yard--got lots done but not nearly close to being caught up. That's pretty much my life these days. I think that's why I'm so crabby--constantly behind on everything.

I've not lost any more weight, but I did lose another half-inch off my bust line. If I was walking, I'm sure I'd do better. That's another area where I am behind.

Our cat Nikki has seemed to survive the yarn eating incident with no ill effects. I am mad at her, though, because she has been sleeping with hubby and me since we got her, and she has been taking up more and more of my side of the bed, which means I don't get a good night's sleep (probably another reason for my crabbiness). She started out at the foot of the bed and then moved up next to me. She spreads out--all 10 pounds of Mackerel tabby that she is--across the bed with her head hanging over the side and her tail swatting me. I've not been able to get her out no matter what I've done. I guess it's a funny sight, except when you are the person not able to sleep because of a cat hogging your sleeping space. I've been feeling like the piece of bologna in a bologna sandwich--hubby is 6'2"--225 pounds, and we sleep in a full-size bed. Well, last night both hubby and I kept putting her out onto a cat bed on the floor next to me. We must have put her out over half a dozen times. Finally she got the point and went to her own bed. I am sure there will be more nights like that, but I can't give up. I need to take back my bed!!

Only 2 more weeks till school starts--thank God!! My girls are driving each other and me absolutely crazy. All this summertime togetherness is too much. One good thing--they have learned a lot about chores, though they think it's punishment. They now know how to do the dishes, use the clothes dryer (the older one is in process of learning to use the washer too), fold clothes, and vacuum the living room rug. I have told them I am preparing them to one day live out on their own, but I know they won't appreciate those skills till they are actually out in the world. Till then I guess I'll just have to suffer through the complaining.

Sorry for the not-too-positive attitude of this post. It's been a rough few days. I do feel better, though, having vented. Thanks for listening/reading. I'll talk to everyone tomorrow. Bye for now.

Hey Girls
 

Newie...very funny cat story...I too used to have the same problem with Cyan....so now he sleeps downstairs with Molly..he's ok with that.

I have been very bad with the excercising...although I have been doing lots of heavy cleaning...but still bad with the exercising...foodwise...not bad at all..I have been avoiding junk food and overeating and I am making sure I get enough protein with each meal.

I also stopped taking the pill last month so I am waiting to see the effects this will have on my body...so so good...my gyne said that I might gain weight if I stopped the pill but so far so good...keep the fingers crossed.

Taiwan....wooooohooooooo you go girl....it is no nice to hear that you are doing wonderfully well with your weight loss...keep going my friend...you inspire me to keep going too...

All of you lovely ladies do...you rock!

Hey Miki...all that walking...you should have reached Montreal by now:lol: You rock...pretty soon we will all me in the best shape of our lives...yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Okay ladies...gotta get back to work

Cyan

Hi, ladies! I'm feeling better today, though it will be a long one with bingo facing me tonight. Work is very busy, of course. Last night my food wasn't the best--it was our anniversary, and my husband brought take-out Mexican home for us--I ate half a burrito and some homemade tortilla chips, but the carbs made me feel not right all evening long. First, I craved protein, which I had in some cheese and cottage cheese. Then I craved cereal. I had a small amount before going to bed. On the low-carb diet I've been eating lately, I really don't have cravings. I also had trouble stopping on the tortilla chips. Well, I guess I'm learning what is good for my body and what isn't.

Cyan, it's good to see you comfortable with the higher protein level in your diet. Do you notice feeling any better with the change?

Congratulations, Taiwan, on your weight loss. That's great--and good to hear that the Xenical isn't dangerous for you.

Weather here is weird--cool and humid. I keep opening the windows to let cool air in; then a few hours later I close them and put the AC on because I can't stand the humidity. I guess that's life in the 21st century.

Hey, Miki, how are you doing? I know you said you were really busy. Take care of yourself.

Well, got to go--talk soon. Bye for now.

Good Morning Ladies
 

Its hump day...I smelling the weekend ladies!

Hey Newie...to answer your question...I dont really feel all that different but its too early ...I think I need more time...I know that when I eat a heavy carb meal...I feel bloated but thats about it.

Well I gotta get going on my work here so I will chat with you guys later

Cyan

Hi everybody!

I just got in from walking my 3 miles. Where in the world do the hours go everyday?? I just cant seem to find time to get done in a day what all needs to be done.:?: I mean, working, cooking, eating, and exercising and the day is over. Seems that I just got home and all of a sudden, it's bedtime. It's driving me crazy!!

School starts Monday here. Hoping that will help me get back on a normal schedule but then again, I'm dreading the homework starting. Luke and I don't click when it comes to Math. He hates it anyway, isnt great at it, then procrastinates and drags it out the entire evening.

Newie, my kids are just like yours. They honestly cannot get along for 5 minutes. They've also gotten more chores over the summer. I can tell you they havent been thrilled about that. Josh, my 13 yr old, now washes dishes and folds clothes.:o Luke, who is 11, has to vacuum and dust the living room. They are both responsible for their own rooms and beds of course.

Cyan, if you havent gained already over the last month, hopefully you wont. Sometimes there is a gain getting on the pill then a loss getting off. That would be nice huh? I'm so sorry to hear about your refrigerator breaking. That happened with our freezer two different times. It's VERY aggravating to think of all that wasted food. One of those times was the one and only time I actually put up fresh veggies out of the garden...had okra, corn, green beans, etc....lost it all.:(

Taiwan, you better follow doctor's orders with your eating. You have to be healthy when the new addition is on his/her way. I think getting to your pre-pregnancy weight may be a sign.;) :lol:

Hope everyone else is having a good week. It's halfway over!

Well, I'm going to check out Taiwan's boys now. I saw the link last time but forgot to go to it. Deana, We wanna see YOU too, ya know!:p

Miki

Deana, just had to come back and tell how adorable your kids are!! Makes me want to just squeeze them!:lol:

Miki

Good Morning Ladies
 

Its thursday....yeeeehaaaaaaaa...although my boss just asked if I could come into work on saturday..I was thinking when pigs fly backwards.....:lol: ....Uhhhhhh Noooooooo wayyyyyyyy...

Anyway, I am so hungry right now...thank goodness its almost lunchtime...I brought a turkey wrap sandwich....pita wholewheat...cant wait to munch down on that!

Hey Miki...I dont think I have gained weight since stopping the pill...but I will be weighing myself this weekend so I will let you know.

Hey Deanna...congrats on your weight loss...wow 2 pounds below pre-pregancy weight...do you want more kids? Miki mentioned something about another one on the way!

Newie hows the weather! Very hot and humid here in Montreal but I think my saturday ...things will be cooling down so thank goodness for that. Keep walking and doing your thing

We should have a posting of our weight and or measurements..like we did in the past..to kinda see where we are at...any takers..let me know

Cyan

Cyan, that was cute. You should say "when it snows in Taiwan":-) I wouldn't work on Saturday either. Crazy people!!! Well, we would like to try for a girl, so nothing yet, but yes, we'd like another. I've always wanted 4 kids of my own. Though since dh is from a family of 5boys and one girl, I think our chances are slim. I would like to be closer to prepregnancy weight with Joshua (that's only 20lbs more:-o) Actually, when I get to the states, I am thinking of joining WW and going off this pill. I don't want to be using a pill all my life.
Miki--thanks for the comments about my munchkins. They are my babies. Today we went to the lake and Josiah has NO FEAR of the water while Joshua stays as far away as possible. They are so opposite, yet so alike. Any pix of me will be head shots only --lol!!
Sounds like all are doing well. Newi, I bet your girls will be just as happy as you (maybe!) about going back to school. DId you check out the book The Five Love Languages of Children? Were you the one i recommended it to?

Well, hope the others are ok. has anyone figured out where ladyrider went? Gotta go as it's midnight!!!

deana

Hi, all! Thanks goodness it's Friday, though my life won't get any easier this weekend. I have to take hubby for an eye test where his pupils are dilated, and after that we're going shopping for beds. Then Sunday we have to go to a 1st birthday party for our great niece. After that we're going to see "Open Range" with Kevin Costner and Annette Benning--I guess you could call it a late anniversary date--our 14th was this past Tuesday. I'm working 1-8 today, so you think I could get something done at home in the morning, but I have two important errands to take care of, so forget about that. So, Miki, I feel your pain about the go, go, go pace--I feel it too. It's housework, laundry, meals, work, garden. Then you go to bed, and there it is all over again the next day, and the next, and the next, and the next. There doesn't seem to be a break from it, and there just doesn't seem to be time to finish anything. I'm constantly behind in EVERYTHING!! Also, work at this time of year leaves me so exhausted that I get home and don't feel like doing anything. I get so frustrated sometimes. I would just like to have a week or so where I didn't have to do ANYTHING.

To respond to your question about the weather, Cyan, the weather here in Chicago is now the PITS! For a while it was nice--70's and low 80's. But then it got humid and cool, and now it's very humid and hot. I hate it. The air is so thick you can see it. I am so grateful we were not affected by the black-out in the East. What a nightmare! Those poor people out there! Did you feel any effects? I haven't heard Montreal mentioned on the news, but I heard that the lights went out during a Montreal Expos game about the time it all happened.

Taiwan, you did mention that book to me, but I haven't had time to go find it. I wrote the title down, and the next time I get into a bookstore, I'll look for it. Thanks.

Well, it's about time for me to go. I have to get hubby's lunch together, and then it's time to start the day's rat race. My food isn't bad, though I ate some pretzels yesterday at work because I didn't bring enough food for lunch. I am drinking a pretty good amount of water. I also found that juice bars/popsicles help relieve hot flashes for me. I'm going to look for some sugar free ones when I go to the grocery store next. I am also watching my sodium intake. I've found it causes me to retain water. Okay, I'm really going now. Have a good weekend, all!