Good Morning!!! You know, 1 bad food choice isn't so bad but when I'm doing it daily that's really bad. I feel good today. I did not make any bad choices yesterday. I think I figured out my problem. It has been cold here and the last thing that I want is cold water so I have been slacking. Cold or not water is a must for me. We live in the country and our road has several hills, yesterday I went out and walked from my house up the hill and back several times. No slow walk, I was bookin it!!!

Gary and Jordan are gone today so I'm going to go walking outside again and go shopping for Jordan's birthday. I didn't get all of my stuff done yesterday but that's okay because that gives me the chance to get out moving today.

Lucky, I meant to comment on you visiting Kentucky, OOPS! I forgot! Anyway, I can't imagine anyone wanting to visit here but I guess it's because I see it all of the time! It is pretty. We had some friends to vacation in Canada and said it's wonderful. I have seen pictures and to me it looks so beautiful.

Today I will strive to get all of my points. Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

I know several of you don't check in on weekends, so I guess you'll see this one on Monday.

Richard's blood test results came back yesterday, everything was fairly ok for a person who eats fast food for lunch everyday is is virtually sedentary. Except his homocysteine level, which was around 15. It should be under 10. His bad cholesteral was slightly elevated, and his good could be better. He's going to be on Foltx (folic acid, b6, b12) for a while, and I'm going to pick up a good vitamin supplement for him, too. He needs to lose about 20 pounds (grumble, men... he can probably lose that in a month), so he's going to start walking on the treadmill or with me in the evenings. The doc seems to think he may be experiencing some of the very first symptoms of hardening of the arteries because of his elevated homocysteine level, so hopefully this will work to bring that down. Interestingly enough, while I was reading up on the effect on the cardiovascular system, I ran across several articles that mention high homocysteine levels as a culprit in Alzheimer's disease, as well. Hmm. I wonder if my blood test included homocysteine? I think I'll call and check. In any case, Richard has taken the typical approach to the "I have to lose a couple pounds" issue... he eats a "healthy" (fast food sub or salad) lunch, and then skips breakfast and dinner. *sigh* So we had a talk about that this morning, and I told him I didn't lose 30 pounds of fat and gain about 10-15 pounds of muscle by skipping meals and eating junk once a day. I told him that I was trying hard to get this family healthy, and that he'd just been kind of floating along behind the boat, but now it was time to jump in and be actively involved in his own health. I don't know why, but for some reason he hates taking his lunch to work. I'm not sure if it's a masculine thing, a geek thing, or what... maybe it's just an inconvenience thing. Or not a cool thing. Heck if I know. But I think I may have convinced him that a tuna sandwich from Blimpies is NOT a guarantee of a healthy lunch. He can make it here and know exactly what he's eating, while the ones he buys fast food-wise are made with stuff that are considerably more fattening and processed. Bah.

Yesterday was ... not so good. *lol* OTOH, even with my "bad" eating habits down here, I have lost a pound that I gained up in AK. I find that highly amusing. Today I am going to hit the treadmill, and start slowly. I am aiming for a simple 20 - 30 minute fast walk. Perhaps I'll do a very light weights workout (upper body only) with just the bar to get back into the movements.

So my lovely friends here... take your multi-vitamins, please? Or if you buy into the "multi-vitamins are not digested" theory, pick up the folic acid, b6, b12 supplements, eh? We're all getting older, and heart disease is rampant in this country, as is dementia among the elderly. I wonder if my father had been actually eating and taking his vitamins if maybe he would have escaped the Alzheimers. :( All I know is that I want to do everything I can to avoid traveling that road.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

Hi everyone, Its another great day today. We have been having incredible weather this last month. (knock on wood) The kids are over their flu so I think it will be a bike ride day.

My hubby does make a sandwhich here that he packs full of stuff for lunch ( he says you can't buy them like he can make them) sometimes gets to eat it and sometimes doesn't depending on how busy his day is. Doesn't eat breakfast , and eats and snacks all night long. We usually eat supper at about 8:30 or 9:00 pm after we get back from visiting the pony. He could maybe lose 10 or 20 lbs, but he looks good. Why is it that most men can pull that off and even worse why is it that I am slightly envious of that? Because he is not really healthy. But he does take a vitamin everyday.

I love the shoes. They are worth collecting. Looked on ebay also. They had quite a few. So how many shoes do you have? And I couldn't believe the price for most of them. Can't beat $3-$5 for most of them. What a great reward.

hippy we would love to live out in the country. Are trying to find an acreage, but don't know if it would be in the finances this year. Kristi really wants another horse, but we cannot afford to board 2 horses. She does have a job to help pay for it, but she should have some money she can spend on herself also. Ontario and Quebec are beautiful. Alberta is well.... flat and boring. Prairie country. My husband doesn't like it here. He is from Ontario. There is not alot of trees, not alot of lakes, not alot of anything but farm land. You go to any store and the conversation you will hear is all the farmers talking about how much rain we did or didn't get. But where we are is a great place to raise kids. We just make the best of what we've got. I had a friend who lived beside me for years, and we were diet buddies, exercise buddies and support but they moved to Florida a few years ago. They love it. Thats my next place on my tour list.

Raven, as I was reading what you wrote, I got up and took a vitamin. When I was pregnant I was so sick that I had to get pills from the doctor that worked amazingly well. I found out that they were just a combination of b vitamins, so vitamins are probably underrated.
Doesn't that subway commercial just get you? The guy looks great after he lost all that weight, but I don't think that subway would be the healthiest diet. It was probably more to do with his exercise, and changing his lifestyle.
Did the doctor say that the hardening of the arteries could be reversed? Or do you just have to prevent it from becoming worse?
Is that a picture of your horse up in the corner? Is that Jolly's horse also?

Well I haven't had coffee for 2 days now. Replaced it with water. I do think I have lost at least a pound from walking to and from the bathroom. Have been getting my water in so one goal is being achieved. Feel pretty good about that.

My turn to make lunch so I better get with it.

Ladies I would just like to thank you all. You are so great.

Lucky

Hey all. How are you? I had a wonderful, if busy weekend. And while I have lots to do today (hence the short post), I did have some good news. We had a state survey done at another of my group homes 2 weeks ago, and it came back with NO deficiencies. I so needed that.

Anyway. Yes, Lucky, that is my boy in my picture. Raven, I hope your guy gets with the program. Hippee, your hubby's sandwiches sound great.

I am off to post on our new thread. Will talk more later.

Good Monday Morning!! I made it through the weekend without screwing up my diet. I did discover that I can pull my jeans down without unbuttoning and unzipping them and another pair drop to my hips and that makes them too long so I couldn't see my feet!!!! That was my encouragement to continue on! We were going to see some friends and my hubby asked me if I was wearing those pants!! He was relieved that I wasn't going looking all baggy and slouchy!!

Hope everyone had a great wekend!

Hi Ladies!

I had a tough weekend with food, but am back on track today. I am not going to get all my points this week, but am hopefully going to lose some weight.

Hippy: :bravo: Congrats on the jeans! I always want to measure my success on how my clothes fit more than the number on the scale. I bet it felt wonderful!

Lucky: You have such great energy! I remember when I gave up caffeine and what a bear I was. Talk about a migraine headache! Ick! I haven't had caffeine for almost 3 years and I don't really miss it. I have some decaf coffee at times, but mostly tea, water, decaf ice tea and Caffeine free Diet Coke. I love my shoes and I have about 200 of them I think. I have some that are signed by the artist also. I get most of them on Ebay, although it won't be the case this week!

Raven: I'm glad Richards tests came back okay for the most part. I know what you mean about men and losing weight. My hubby gained weight when I was pregnant (I only gained 2 pounds, yes two pounds) and then he lost it all right away. He can lose weight so quickly it makes me sick. I take a good multi every day. Makes me feel real good. Have you posted on the other thread?

Jolly: Thanks for putting up the other thread. I just posted over there. Congrats on the reports coming back in your favor. Now you need to go put in for that new job!!

Okay, I gotta run. Three more weeks on nights, then it's back to day shift for me!!!!

Chach

Go Cubbies!!!!! Yay!!!! Sorry Raven but you can understand that we've been waiting since 1908 for this. Last night after the baseball game I walked outside and you could hear all sorts of fireworks and cheering all around. Nutso Cubs fans. Even I got sucked into watching the game.

I did well up until Friday night and it was a very hectic weekend and I was totally off plan. Starting again on Monday and keeping an eye on my trouble spots.

Raven, thanks for the info on the blood tests. I went and looked up my results from my CBC test but they don't test homocystine on that test. :cry: But you gave us very useful information and made a good point about ... if we took care of ourselves earlier... I've been taking vitamins and a few supplements for years now - the whole antioxidant, heart healthy, eye healthy, bone heathy thing. And I do think it makes a difference.

I think it's a man thing about cutting back to one meal a day. I have been touting smaller portions and regular meals to my guy for years. However, because they are more muscle, it's much easier for them to lose weight so they look at us and our plans and probably figure why listen to them when this works for me? Although this time around my husband is not seeing the quick results any more and had to work hard for 3 months to lose 10 pounds - which he regained. I was dancing for joy - aren't I mean?

Lucky you also make a good point about looking healthy but maybe not being so healthy. Sometimes I wish our skin was invisible so we could really see what's going on inside ourselves. I think that's why we have a tendency to lose our resolve at times. That is so great you were able to give up on the coffee. I only really started drinking it about 10 years ago and now I find it harder to give up than I did Coca Cola. And really after a good night's sleep you need the water to rehydrate and wake yourself up way more than the coffee you THINK you need. :dizzy:

See Jolly, told you that you were good at what you do - all that needless fretting. But congrats on the great inspection results.

Hippy it's interesting that sometimes we think we need loose clothes to cover the loose body but if they are too big, it makes us look worse. Yay for you on a successful weekend.

Chachee how long have you been on the night shift? Can you make a pretty quick transition to days?

Good morning everyone. Just a quick note, before I am off to meetings for hte day. I went back to kickboxing last night for hte first time in about a month. It felt good to be back, but man am I sore. I also met with the personal trainer this morning. Luckily, Igot up early and did a short (20 min.) workout before we met. This session was just listing my current level and goals. No sweat. We are meeting again Saturday (in between kickboxing, barn, and my dinner party :fr: ) to do an actual workout, and have him set a program for me. We shall see.

We will have to discuss my eating here soon. I am way off base. I need to set a new start weight, as I have gained back all I lost last year :( But, onward!

Have a great day all, and talk to you tomorrow.

Good Evening Ladies.

Well it was day number 2 today for me to be back at work. It feels great. It would be perfect if I could put the baby in the backpack and take him to work with me, but he loves the babysitter so all is good.

Was able to drink most of my water the last 2 days so that is one goal I have been achieving. I am just eating supper now at 10:30 so that goal is shot for today, as I just got back from bowling so I hope that is enough exercise to work off my supper. Have been walking so that goal is met. The best thing about being back at work is I have no time to snack. I have been cookie free for 2 days.

Jolly- He's a beauty. What type is he. Can he be a bit stubborn and bratty like our boy at times? Is that the Arabian or the Quarter horse in ours? What type of job do you do? It sounds important. Good luck in getting the promotion. Thats great that you can do kickboxing. I would try it and I would be a great source of entertainment as I probably would not be able to lift my leg that high, and I have no balance so I would end up on the floor. If I was to go with you, you would be to busy laughing to realize you were getting stiff and sore. Well then it might be worth it.

Happy- I get to thank you for my being cookie free so THANKYOU. When I read that you were able to resist fresh baked cookies, I thought you will not make that sacrifice for nothing so I have just said "NO" to cookies and thought of you while I was doing it. I sound like a cigarette commercial. Just say no. Although sometimes the put food in mouth habit seems just as hard as the quit smoking habit.

Chachee - Thats amazing that you only gained 2 pounds when you were pregnant. I gained 14 and my doctor was an absolute drill sergent with every pound I gained although without her on my case I wouldn't have been so careful. I have to go back at the end of November so I have to try to lose some weight because I will not hear the end of it if I don't. I say that because I actually lost all my pregnancy weight but then in the last few months I have gained it all back plus a little more. Where is it that you work? Good luck on getting a shoe this week. (Are there any left that you don't have? Because it sounds like you have a great collection of them.)

Hippy - YAHOO (I would insert something cute and encouraging but I don't know how) So I am doing the joy dance for you. That must be the best kind of encouragement you can have. And even better you will need new clothes. Even if you don't buy anything I do think power shopping is a form of exercise.

Raven - Hope your weekend went well and that you got some good horse time in. I have been trying to remember to take my vitamin everyday. Plus a calcium and magnesium as I have basically cut out dairy from my diet also.

I found a card that describes me perfectly.
I had to give up exercising because it was bad for my health.
My legs rubbed together so much my underwear kept catching on fire.
I actually had a good laugh at this card. My family says that I am warped and this probably does prove it.

Have a great day tommorrow.

Kathy

APB.....RAVEN IS MISSING....APB.....RAVEN IS MISSING.....

Just giving you a hard time, sweetie!

My weigh in is tomorrow, ladies, and I am afraid. Tonight for my snack I will have an apple with peanut butter. Lots of water when I get home and I will cross stitch because that occupies my hands when I watch tv.

Happy: I have worked nights for two years. I did it when I came back from maternity leave. I work a 4 pm-12:30 am shift now, and will switch to 8:00 am-4:30 pm. It will be a little tough, but it will be better for my family.

Jolly: Congrats on the gym. Any exercise is better than nothing. Let's talk about the eating when you are ready. I posted my weight on the other thread, but I am at 257 and I have a hard time telling ANYONE that! It so embarassing, and I want to get the weight off so I can tell people "I used to weigh 257, but now I am 160". I guess me telling everyone my weight now is better than last year when I was 283. Ick. Slow and sure.

Lucky: My doc was on me when I was pregnant because they thought I was dieting! Give me a break! I got gestational diabetes in my fourth month, so I had to be so careful with my eating. I should drag out my old stuff and see what I ate so I could do better. They wanted me to gain a little weight, but I didn't. I lost 35 pounds within a month after giving birth to my son. Once I stopped breastfeeding, though, the weight came back on. Just watch it! No shoe this week. Maybe next week.

Okay, wish me luck on the weigh in. I hope I at least stay the same.

Chach

Good morning everyone. What a nice way to start tthe day. I need a pat on the back. I almost decided not to go to the gym this morning. I was so tired and achy. But, at the last minute, I did go. EVen if it was just the recumbent bike, at least it was something. Now if I could just work on the eating :(

Lucky, I supervise group homes. I really like what I do. My horse is usually only bratty when I have been a bad mom. He is too darn smart sometimes. I find kickboxing very empowering. Start your kicks small, your balance would improve. A huge congratulations to you for saying no to cookies. I was pretty proud of myself for not going out of the house for chocolate last night. I wanted some pretty bad, but managed ot not go. By the way, if you are warped, so am I because I LOVE THAT CARD!

Chachee, everyone is missing :( I feel sad. I know how hard it is to admit your weight. I am tall, so people don't usually realize how fat I am, so it makes it even harder when they try to buy me something in a too small size. They don't realize what a porker I am. I would so like to not have to worry about it. Good luck with your weigh in. I hope it all goes well.

I will be at a conference tomorrow. Talk to you more on Friday. Have a super couple of days.

Good evening Ladies.

Hope everyone is just fabulous.

My weigh in is tommorrow also. I know that I haven't done very well.

Chachee I weigh more now than i did when I was 9 months pregnant. Its interesting because my doctor told me I really didn't need to gain much weight. When I got put on my diabetes diet I lost a little weight and the doctor said as long as my stomache was growing I could go ahead and lose a few pounds and all would be well. Doctors. I sure can't lose the weight now.

The diet that I was reading about was not the south beach diet, I don't know what it was called because my hubby did something with my womans world magazine but it looked quite healthy and was sort of along the same lines as a diabetic diet. When I find it I will post it.

Jolly - Wow what a special person you are to take the time to make that your job and put so much of yourself into it. Can I ask is a group home for handicapped or troubled teenagers. We have a group home for both around our neighborhood. I also have a little neighbor boy whom I love just like my own and he is autistic and what a great talented kid he is. He amazes me because it is like he is a little genius at some things, Eygypt and Hyroglyphics he is really into and can tell you amazing facts, but at other things he has such a hard time. You cannot tell by looking at him that anything is wrong and it is such a heartbreak when people point at him or say things about him. His mom says he will eventually (its up to him) will have to live in a group home if he wants to move out. It really does take a special person to make them feel great about themselves.

Happy, Hippy and Raven hope all is well.

Good night everyone
Kathy

Hi everyone,
Sorry I haven't posted though been thinking of you. It's been a really, really hectic week with both school and work and unexpected things happening that mess up your otherwise careful plans. And I just found out my mom is coming to spend the night on Sunday so on top of all of this I have to clean the house for company too. My mom's a real sweetie and actually she would clean the house for me but I can't let her do that. I am trying to get ahead of myself so we can have a nice visit Sunday night since I talk to her all the time but don't get to see her as much as I'd like.

So all I can say is TARZAN YELL AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Been trying to behave myself on food and water since exercise is out the window. Guess I will start points again come Monday when hopefully things calm down.

I hope to get back to you all on Monday, till then keep the faith, seems like it's a tough week for everyone. Must be something in the air...

Anyone heard from Raven? Not like her to be away for so long. Hope nothing is wrong.

Hello Ladies!

Raven?? pssst....raven??? Come in Raven......Janig......Hippy.. Where is everyone?

Jolly: Congrats on the gym!!! You did well! I know what you mean about the "being tall and not fat". See, I have a 40DD chest, and have had it since I was in 7th grade! I go in for a consult with a plastic surgeon in January for a reduction surgery. If I lose my chest, my weight is really going to show, so I need to get some of this off!!

Lucky: Sending good vibes for your weigh in! Let us know!

Happy: Welcome back! I know how crazy life gets! Check in when you can!

My hubby has orders from me to get the home computer working or get a new one! I'm tired of not having one at home. Grrr...

Okay, outta here!

Chach

Hello everyone. Sorry it took me so long to get here. I met with my managers this morning, and it took awhile to settle them down. Yikes. I need to have more regular meetings with them. In this line of work, you tend to get into "fire fighting" mode, and forget to keep on top of hte every day things when it is quiet. Chachee, good luck with the plastic surgery. I would need ot go the other direction - I have next to nothing :( Ah well. Grass is always greener and all that. I will try to locate Raven. I haven't heard from her either. Happy, glad to see you. How are you liking this weather? Also, how close are you to Chicago? Were you affected by the garbage strike?

Got to run. Lots to do. Have a wonderful weekend, and talk more on Monday.

Hello ladies.

Really quickly wanted to come on in and post a hello and wish everyone a nice weekend. I'm going to a craft show with my hubby and son. Will hopefully get out to see Kill Bill this weekend. My 4 year anniversary is next weekend. We are going to my fave restaurant and having blackened halibut and key lime pie. Yummy!

Jolly, I've had several friends ask for my leftovers from the surgery. Oh, if it were only that simple. I can't wait to have hopefully at least half of this chest gone in about six months!!

Chach

HEEEELLLLLOOOOOOOO Ladies! I have missed this place!!!
I had Jordan at home for a few days sick, he is better now. Now Gary is sick. I have worked extra hard on cleaning and degerming everything because I don't want it!!!

I haven't had a chance to keep up with points or anything but as of this morning I am down a pound! WOOHOO!!!! I started this journey in late August weighing 285. OUCH!! I hate to admit that! Now I weigh 264. That still hurts but I am on my way down!!! Going back to the South Beach Monday. I felt so much better when I was following that plan instead of the diabetic plan. The carbs do make me feel sluggish.

Lucky, I too weigh more now than I did 9 months pregnant. I think it's sad! I gained 13 pound when I was pregnant and can't believe I have gained so much weight over the years.

Gary and Jordan are off working today. I will be cleaning house, doing laundry, cleaning the patio and so on to prepare for Jordan' birthday cookout tomorrow. He thinks he's the big **** because he's turning 13! It breaks my heart but am glad to see him growing into such a great young man. I know to me he will always be my little boy!!!

Sorry for the long post and can't really remember what all I read that you all posted so I hope I haven't not commented on something that is important.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!!

Wow. Sorry for the major absence. My network at work has been having serious issues for the last week, and I've been really busy at home. Hard to keep up!

Chachee - Thank you for the birthday wishes. :D I actually had probably the best birthday I've ever had, and it was for one really simple reason. I have a horse. I know that's silly, and I know that I've had Arashi now for a few months, but I have never, ever been able to hang out with *my own horse* and ride *my own horse* on *my* birthday. I can't even begin to say how totally perfect it was. And my boy was an absolute angel. The only thing that would have made it more perfect is if my boyfriend had been with us, but he was home sick as a dog. Poor dear. All I can hope is that I don't get it as badly as he has it. Some throat, upper respiritory crap. I can feel it trying to get me, so I'm trying really hard to get enough rest and drink LOTS of water and not push anything. I have no sick leave left for the rest of the year, so I can't afford to get sick! How are those adorable puppies!? Have you decided you want to ship them to me yet? :p Oh, and my daughter is jealous that you're having surgery! :lol: She wants hers removed, too! Poor thing... she's 14 and already has a bigger chest than I do. I hope and pray it stops growing now, but I have a sinking feeling she's going to end up overly endowed. She absolutely hates it, and if there's anything I can do for her, I will. I know there isn't a doc alive (well, a good one anyway) who would touch her right now, but maybe when she's a little older and they've determined she has finished developing we can have some reduction work done.

My birthday is kind of a combination of last night and tonight... Tonight my daughter is going to cook dinner, though we're not sure what she's going to cook yet. And I'm making pudding pie for dessert. Yeah, I know... not exactly health food. My boyfriend got me this absolutely perfect set of glasses -

My New Glassware!

They're nice and heavy, and the fact that they're handmade is really nifty to me. I love them. I'm also getting black leather half chaps from my daughter, and a pair of breeches from my boyfriend. My son got me this totally adorable christmas ornament that I fell in love with while I was in Alaska. There is this whole set of ornaments of little bears doing cute things in the snow - this one in particular is of a bear making a snow angel. I had a feeling he'd bought it for me while we were up there, and he gave it to me last night. I want to get the whole set!

I plan on going riding again today as soon as the kids are up.

Jolly - I'll be writing you a horsie e-mail as soon as I can, I have so much to run on about. :lol: I too am curious as to what kind of care home you run. Is it assisted living for older folks, or teens, or .. ?? That's another subject rather near and dear to my heart lately. *sigh*

Lucky - Reading back a bit... and not trying to start a breed war here, BUT!!! ;) I'd bet that bratty part of your pony comes from the arabian. QHs *generally* don't have that attitude, but I know Arabians and TBs sure do. It's not a bad thing at all, don't get me wrong. My daughter's TB/QH is a major brat at times, but she is as giving and as sweet is the day is long if she knows it really is important to you. And she usually apologises for being a butthead later. She just reminds me of a typical adolescent, they just never really seem to grow out of it. :s: I love them all, for all their quirks. QHs have their own way of getting the point across, but it's usually a little more subtle and quiet, not the flaming attitude. Jolly, don't hit me, you know I'm right. :lol:

Happy - I think you're right, there is something definitely going on. For so long my life was this neat little predictable routine, then all of the sudden, it exploded. Sometimes I feel like I'm just spinning so fast I'm going to start losing pieces. ;) I hope your visit with you Mom goes beautifully!! I still miss mine, it's hard not to be jealous. Enjoy her company, and give her a hug from me!

Sharla - Your house is a sick one, too, eh? My condolences. *sigh* I hope this one doesn't hit us too hard. You are doing SO well on losing. I know it is hard to admit where we started, but when you look at each pound lost as an accomplishment, look how far you've come! I know it's hard sometimes when we think about how far we've yet to go, but we have the rest of our lives to do this. Sometimes I forget that. Not that I want to just forget about it, but I do need to remember this isn't a quick fix, this is a lifetime commitment I'm making. Obviously this last couple months haven't been so good for me, but I know I haven't given up. Isn't it totally amazing that our kids are getting so .. OLD?? How did they do that!? My daughter will be 15, and my son is going to be 12... I'm not that old!! Am I? :eek: I hope he has a GREAT birthday!! We Librans ROCK! :D

I know I've probably missed important stuff, I'm sorry... I think, too, that in some regard I'm still mourning my father's illness, still trying to come to grips with what's happened. This might sound really stupid, but in some ways, it's almost more difficult than if he'd died. It's like.... I'm grieving for the loss, but he's not gone. I still cry too much, I think. Sometimes I just cry when I realize how grateful I was that he recognized me and the kids, and when he remembered my horsie dreams and was so proud and happy that we were riding our own horses now. And I cry for him. Because I know he knows what's happening. And I wish I could make it better, but I know I can't. But there is a beautiful thing here. And that is that I *can* cry. When my Mom died, I couldn't cry for over two years about it. I have to thank my boyfriend for that, he taught me that it isn't a weakness to show great emotion, it's a strength. I'll love him forever for that one. He taught me to face that emotion head on, not duck and run away from it. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh I'm rambling. I'm sorry! I suppose I had better get my butt in gear here and go do some more laundry! I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!!

Good morning,

Raven, first off... Happy Birthday! Sorry to hear you have sickness going on in your house also. It must be the same thing everywhere. Gary and Jordan both had sore throat, cough, runny/stuffy nose. I don't know how I have missed out on it and hope I keep missing out!!! My heart goes out to you. You seem to have alot to deal with here lately. I hope things get better for you.

Chach, you are still almost a newleywed!!!! I remember those early years!! Now we are settled!!! Been married for 13 years so we have a routine!!!! One of us will occasionally throw a kink into a day and make it not so ordinary! I love celebrating our anniversary! To me it's like making a big accomplishment every year! Couples go through so much together and it's just nice to see that our relationship has lasted another year!! I truely believe me and my hubby will always be together.

We are suppose to cookout for Jordan's birthday today and have it outdoors so we can throw horseshoes and play volleyball. It's very windy right now and kind of chilly. I hope I don't have to move it inside. We have a very small house and it doesn't hold alot of people very well. Guess we will see what happens! Where I come from grey tape fixes everything! Maybe I can somehow hide it under the tableclothes!!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!!

OH! Hi to everyone else and hope all is going well!

Hi all. Glad to see everyone. I apologize for not responding to each of you. I am a little over tired and out of sorts this morning. My horse had colic last night. He is better, but still . . . . . I will try to do better tomorrow. I have to do payroll now. As for what kind of homes, they are group homes for people with developmental disabilities.

Take care everyone, and i will try to write more later or tomorrow. And Raven, watch what you say about wonderful Arabians. Someone's QH has "lost" his rider more in the few months he has been with her, than someone else's Arabian has in the 7 years they have been together ;)

Good Monday morning girls! Where is everyone?

The party was a success but I'm glad it's over! I had 1 hamburger, the smallest piece of cake and no icecream so I was proud of myself for not blowing it.

My friend with the jackass hubby came and I just ignored him, never knew I could be such a snob!!! I have never been a snobby person, don't like snobby people but thought it would be better than saying something not so nice!

My brother was here with his crew. I don't hardly get to see him or my nephew because his wife is a pure b*tch. He is getting ready to leave her and she knows it's coming so now she's trying to be all nice, she can forget it. ! have no time for her at all. I hate that he is going through this because he hates the thought of not being around his litle boy all of the time but I will be so glad when he is done with her. He deserves so much better.

Jordan's cold is gone but Gary seems to not be able to kick it. Maybe in another day or two.

I'm going to work real hard to get my points this week so I will post on that thread what I do.

Talk to you all later

Good morning all. It is good to see everyone. I have to apologize for a short and confusing post. My pony had colic last evening, and I spent most of it walking him and waiting for the vet. He is better now, but . . . . still very stressful. So, I am sorry I don't respond to each of you. I will try to do better tomorrow, or later today. I hope each of you is feeling better, and doing well with her goals.

By the way, Raven? I would watch the breedist comments. I seem to recall that someone's QH has managed to "lose" his rider more times in the few months she has owned him, then someone else's Arabian has in the 7 years they have been together ;) Or am I mistaken, and he was just being kind and helping her dismount???? Those QH manners, right?

Good morning folks...

Jolly - Ah girl you know it's all in fun!! Besides, the fact that I'm a crappy rider has more to do with my being unseated than my stupid cow's spastic fear reactions. :eek: Yes, I still love him, but he got some major lecturing over the weekend. Please keep us posted on Chance.. I know colic is scary as heck. I will definitely keep you and your darling in my prayers. I'm so sorry both of you had to go through that. :(

Sharla - I don't think it's snobbish of you at all to avoid a conflict! I actually think it's better than I would have done! Congrats on doing so well with the party food! My boyfriend hasn't kicked his yet, as a matter of fact I'm afraid he's starting to sound like it's moving into bronchitis. Will he listen to me? Nooooooo. I'm still riding on the edge of it. Not really SICK, but not really healthy, either.

I've come to the conclusion that I really do miss working out. I was watching Nickie ride yesterday, and it dawned on me that both of us were much better riders when we were lifting. I think I just pushed it so hard that it became something I dreaded rather than the fun thing it used to be. I want to work it back into my life somehow - time is always the issue. But as someone pointed out in my journal, if it's something you want, you usually find the time. :D

Hope everyone's Monday is going well!

oh how awful am i??

HAPPY HAPPY Birthdayyyyyyy!!

Raven


Hope it si wonderful and lovely just like you!!:hb: :gift: :hat: :balloons:

Sorry been out of touch

I think about ALL of you all the time and miss ya mucho!!

Tracy!!

I've missed you, girl! Sounds like you have so much on your plate right now, another victim of the merry-go-round spinning out of control. Take deep breaths and do what you can... remember we're here for you!

(((Tracy)))

Good morning ladies!

Well, I'm still very sore on my lower back, but I'm not sure if it's the lingering effects of my fall or the virus I'm still fighting off. Or maybe both. My kids were complaining of back pain last night, too, and that's very unusual for them. So I'm kinda thinking this is just another viral symptom. Hopefully it will pass soon.

I need to get over to the other thread and post some goals and get back in the game.

Last nights lessons for the kids went really well. Nickie did her bareback lesson, though not on the lunge as she'd hoped. But she did get Cookie to a trot a few times bareback, which impresses me muchly. And Machine rode the new QH Copper, and he was fairly well behaved. Machine did pretty good, though I need to get a leather punch and make some new holes in my stirrup leathers so they aren't so long for him. Yes, we used MY saddle on Copper, too! That saddle was MADE to fit those QHs, Jolly! I just hung out with my cow head... washed his tail, groomed him out, fed him carrots and let him stuff his face on grass while we watched the kids. All in all a very relaxing night. And .. *ahem* :o had pizza for dinner. *thumps head on desk* Ah well, tonight I cook the chicken bruschetta.

Hope everyone's week is going well!

Good morning all. Tracy, we have missed you. You have to get over here more often. How are you doing? HOw are classes? Sold any houses yet????

Raven, I am glad that saddle is working out for you guys. I know I always thought it was comfy, just didn't fit my trim fit Arabian. He has a super model build! (NOt couch potato like some breeds ;)

I have been having serious problems posting on our accountable thread. I have been reading, but it has not let me post. Don't know. But will try again.

Everyone, we miss you!

Hi all. REal quick post. I need your help. I know there is a low fat way to make white sauce using chicken broth and flour as opposed to butter and flour. Does anyone know the ratio? I have a client who is lactose intolerant, and I want to try making it with soy milk, so we can replace that in cooking/casseroles whatever that call for "cream of" soup. She must get real sick of sandwiches all the time. Thank you!

Hmmmmmmm

I found this one...

1 cup unsweetened soymilk
1/2 of a 10- to 12-ounce package firm silken tofu
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon oil or butter
1-2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
pinch salt (or to taste)

Blend all ingredients in a blender until very smooth. The sauce can then be warmed gently in a saucepan or double boiler (do not simmer) or refrigerated for up to 2 days. Makes a scant 2 cups.

Or this one, which is different...

2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
2 tablespoons soy margarine
2 2/3 cups soy milk
2 tablespoons honey (more or less to taste)
1. In a warm saucepan mix margarine and flour together, stirring quickly.
2. When combined and melted add milk slowly, stirring quickly.
3. Add honey.
4. Simmer whilst stirring and serve with wheat-free pasta, rice noodles, roast beef, potatoes or use in a lasagna.
5. I even use it instead of margarine on crackers with salmon or avacado.

Or here's a link to a more dietician based recipe option...

http://www.recipesource.com/soups/so...oup-base1.html


Good luck, hope this helps!

Hey all. Thanks Raven for the help., Where is everyone this morning????? I need my friends. I am off to a day long meeting. See you all in the morning. I need a pat on the back, because I did my weight training workout this morning.

YGG! *pat pat!* I didn't do my workout last night. *sigh* Time gets away from me. I have till Sunday to finish three workouts. I WILL do this. I hope today goes well for you!

Hi Ladies!

This needs to be quick, as I am trying to figure out my schedule since moving back to day shift. I love it because I get time with both my boys at night, but I hate an alarm clock. I think there is something absolutely wrong waking up to something that starts with the word alarm!

I forgot to weigh this morning. I'll do it tomorrow.

I'm here, just need to get my wits about me!

I'll try to write more later!

Chach

Hey Ladies,
Well I aced my mid-term exams, started another class (I am nuts) and our dear Cubbies disappointed us yet again (baseball). I'm sort of glad they didn't make the world series as I was giving up too much time I didn't really have in front of the TV.

Hear, hear Chachee on the alarm part. I want to wake up easy and gentle with a nice stretch. Unfortunately that would occur sometime between 10 and 11am if left to my own devices.

Yay Jolly, *pat, pat* for getting your workout in. What did the trainer at the gym recommend for you? I caught some stuff on TV about the Chicago marathon, geez it takes your body 26 days to recover when you do that race. I am not a runner and never will be but I do admire the people who take the challenge. And Jolly to answer your question, I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, 26 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, about an hour and 1/2 south of Milwaukee. We met MichelleZ and her husband for dinner once up near their home, it was over a 2 hour drive for us.

Raven, I also hear you on the time thing. I have completely blown my points. Not a sabotage thing, just too much to do, not enough time thing. I have given myself the ok to finish out the week catching up, then have to get focused again. Slowly but surely. Oh and happy belated birthday to you!

Hellos to Hippy and Tracy, I gotta hid the skids now. Will be back later chickies.

Good morning wonderful ladies!

Lets hope this day is better than yesterday. ( or this week for that matter)

Jolly- I hope your meeting went well. Hope it didn't seem like all day and that it was interesting. Great job on staying on track with the weight training. How is the kickboxing coming? I thought maybe I might try ty bo (sp?) with my neighbor.

Raven - I'll try to give you a little boost here. here I am in my little cheerleading outfit, pompoms waving "You can do it, You can do it! You are getting close to your third goal so You CAN do it. Sorry not much of a cheerleader.

Chach - Thats great that day shift is going well. The boys must like having you home also. Hope its an easy transition for everyones schedule change.

Happy - What happened at the last baseball game? Its big news but I keep missing it! Great job on the midterms. What is it you are taking?

Must run and get ready for another nightmare day at work. We are having a closeout sale and yesterday if you were at the back of the line, it took 1 hour and 15 minutes to get through. No breaks for us yesterday.

Have a wonderful day.
Kathy

Good morning everyone :) Chachee, I understand how hard it is to adjust to a new shift. Yikes. I think you should send your beagles to me, so that my dogs can train them on proper wake up procedures. I finally got my girl to understand not to jump on me until the alarm goes off, so she does her vulture routine. You remember Snoopy from Charlie Brown. Well . . . . I woke up one morning and all I could see was a wet nose, and a lot of brown hair. She was sitting above me on my pillow. Her nose was 1/8 of an inch above mine, her ears flopping on either side of my head. Now technically, she wasn't touching me, but she was sure wanting me to wake up. Happy, I live about 20 minutes from Michelle. We try to work out together once in awhile. Congrats on the midterms. Way to go. Lucky, where do you work? Sounds crazy right now. You must love it at the holidays!

I am waiting to hear about an interview. We shall see. They may decide that my boss has me on a nice tight leash now, why risk letting me loose! I can only hope.

Gotta run. have a super day eveyrone.

Good morning all. I have ditched the diabetic plan. I can' control carb cravings on it because the majority of the plan is carb eating. My dear hubby has diabetes and has never been able to follow that plan and stay on it. His sugar is high and he's feeling bad so I suggested that he try the South Beach with me. He has agreed since I harp about how great it made me feel. I'm going to the grocery today to stock up. I will be doing phase 1 again so I can do it with him. I lost all of my energy when i stopped following that plan so I'm going back to it. I love the way I felt when I was eating healthy and not bogging myself down with all of the carbs. If I can make it through the 2 weeks with Gary not having bread then all will be fine.

I'm having a Creative Memories home class tomorrow so I will spend the afternoon cleaning and getting things ready. UGH! The things I get myself into sometimes!!

Hope everyone is well. Have a great weekend!

some pics
 

My daughter and her horse.

More pics
 

A blurry me and my horse. It was getting dark, and I didn't realize that would have such an impact on the digital.

Good evening everyone

I love the pictures. You will have to explain to me how to post the pictures. It is great to put a face to the person. Raven you must have fun showering your beauty after a good roll in the dirt. (a roll in the dirt after the shower which starts the cycle all over.)

Jolly what are your dogs names and what type of dogs are they? I have to say that would be a great way to wake up because you couldn't do anything but laugh at that. Thanks for the chuckle.
I manage a clothing store, but I have just gone back to work after a years maternity leave. They have just decided to close the store due to leasing problems. The company is probably going to build a new store but it won't be open for a year or so. This was the third day in a row that it was so darn busy. The time people stood in line today was an hour. The wait was down by 15 minutes.

Hippy you'll have to let me know how the party went. I have never been to one of those, but I have a friend who is sure trying to get me to have one.
What is the SB diet? Did it work for you before? Good luck on starting it again.

Hi Chachee and Happy, hope you both had a great day.

Have a great weekend.

Kathy

Hey all!

Raven, the horses are beautiful! And your daughters hair! I would love to have hair like that!

Lucky, I guess you have to like to scrapbook to enjoy those classes. I love it. For me it's so much fun to take the pictures and put a page together useing papers and stickers that fit the in with the picture. It's alot of fun and a great way to preserve your pictures. I had all of mine in a box and a mouse had a good time with a few of them so I decided to scrapbook them so I didn't lose any pics of Jordan growing up or other pictures. The SBD is a phase plan. Phase 1 you have no bread, pasta, potatoes and so on. This is to rid your body of carb cravings. This phase lasts for 2 weeks, after that you slowly add good carbs back into your diet. Whole wheat bread, pasta, fruit and so on. You stay on phase 2 until you meet your goal weight. I lost 9 pounds in the first 2 weeks and 18 pounds total in7 weeks. If you follow the plan with no cheating the first 2 weeks you can lose anywhere from 6 to 13 pounds I think it is. When you go into Phase 2 you lose 1 to 2 pounds a week. After the first 4 days I had so much energy I didn't know what to do. I felt like a new person. That's the plan in a nutshell. There is book and a a website if you want to check it out.

Jolly, Chach, Happy, Tracy, Hope all is well with you guys.