Hello all!!

Running late this am.... so cold outside it really was hard to get out of the warm bed... Sure am glad DH insisted on the remote starters for the cars last year! Makes such a difference!!

Dh's trying to get On Program too.. its only been since Monday and he's seeing a big scale drop....men... it just falls off them...GRRRRRR!!

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Thought of the day :

"Find a need and fill it"
-- Henry J. Kaiser

Question of the day :

"What do you think of today's weather forecast?"
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Take care all!
Kettle is on!

Hello loves,

Wow, a lot has happened since I was here last! Many "kudos" and "well done"'s to the 3FC sisters for their tireless work in getting us back up n' going! What a job it must've been...

My house kept me from posting. I started having a heat problem Sunday night in the midst of below zero temperatures - not that there was no heat, but that it wouldn't shut off. After running for 2 days straight and after the techs showed up, it's fixed. I have a mini panic attack when I think of what my power bill is going to be next month!

THEN, as if the above wasn't enough - I lost water in my house on Monday. My well house wasn't frozen so the best I can figure is that it was a pipe under the house. Either way, I've been without running water until 6am this morning. The combination of warmer temps (ha, warmer, it was 26 degrees) and little foam blocks inserted into the vents under my house yesterday did the trick...

Anagram, that is so sweet that you're homesick for us, not "home" in the typical sense! I hope you're having fun in Florida, enjoy the weather!!!

Kaylets, what happened at that dinner was just wrong! I can't believe that the drinkers didn't offer to pay up a bit more for their share... geez! I agree, next time, either squawk about it, or come late and leave early.

Ceara, isn't it amazing how fast this week went? With it being the first full week in 2 weeks I figured it would draaaaaag, but it didn't! Friday here we come!!!!

Wildfire, enjoy the WW meeting tonight! I miss going - there's a meeting locally, but you all remember what THOSE people are like... No thanks.

Eydie, come over here and rub some of that "on track" on me, purdy please????

Arabella, congrats on your perfect days piling up!

SeattleJo, I'm off on our walk to NOLA!!!! I'm a mile along.... shall go sign up next!

Cerise, are you getting any of this crazy weather up there??? I've got 3 feet of snow in places! Waaaaaaaah, I wanna go to the Baaaahamaaaas!!!!! (that's not me laughing, that me havin' a temper tantrum a 2 year old would be proud of!).

Well, off to get some workie done so that tomorrow, oh, so beautiful Friday that it will be, I can be a bum.

Smooches,

Terri

Hello all!!

Got an email from the Empress... she saw the page up and then when she went back, couldnt get on....

I told her we've been calling for her...

Somebody turn the porch light on will you... I know she'll be here any second and I don't want it to look like there's no one home...

I think I'll get the kettle fired up and might even on put an apple crisp on .... its mostly apples anyway and smells so good as its baking!

Think my midriff is finally beginning to flatten. Not much but enough to notice when you tuck in your shirt..... and... the panty hose doesnt roll anymore either....
hmmmmmmmm

ok! time to eat supper and get some bills paid!

KETTLE IS ON!

Going home finally!
It's been a rough day here and boy am I tired! I tried getting to the site earlier but couldnt.

I'm counting WW points like mad, and am doing a fairly decent job of it. We're not going to talk about last Saturday, because its wiped from my mind. Now to get someone to take me to the mall tomorrow night so that I can weigh in. (No scale here at home yet)

Glad to see the participation on the walk, hopefully I'll get to the gym tomorrow and get started on my portion, I also have an award or two to give out for that already..

Ok, better update later, all of you have been in my mind, I hope you are doing well.

So don't cross me, GOT IT???

Just kidding - the work here at work that was pissing me off is done, so now I'm just experiencing residual grumpiness. But I'm still not feeling all that talkative...anybody mind if I'm brief today (try to hide your hanging jaws - yes, I CAN be brief)?

I was sitting at my desk, pondering the fact that I think I've gained some weight over the Season - me feet hurt, my bras have all but given up trying to support my jublies, and I just feel...fatter.

I don't usually feel fat. I usually feel much lighter than I look, but you hit a weight threshold, you know? Where you suddenly cross a thin line and you feel icky and your feet hurt.

I was sitting there thinking, "this isn't ME". But then, I'm making this fatness "me" by eating way too much lately. Overeating has become "me". Ergh. I'm concerned, of course, since I start WW this coming Tuesday, and I'm already seeing signs that I want this to be the panacea of all my weight struggles - "I'll just join WW, start exercising THEN and not before, and everything will be OK". Stupid, stupid, stupid.

So, I change the behavior that isn't me. Eating too much and not exercising. I know Eydie has talked about her lifestyle and habits have changed so that even her impulses a lot of the time are healthy. But you're taking an unfamiliar set of new actions - eating healthy and less and exercising - and trying to make it into "you"; your new norm. No wonder only 5% of us succeed. It's hard to even get my head around. But then, I'm not a clever girl...

So, this ain't brief. Just self-absorbed. Sorry, Chicks. I am reading your posts and enjoying being with you, though...

Fondly,

Hello all!!

Empress wrote me an email and can read the boards but without the quick reply feature, cannot post!!!!

I told her I'd cut and paste whatever she sends me. I'm also thinking if she sends to someone closer to her time zone, she may be "almost" posting herself.... at least till things sort themselves out....
Cerise, she mentioned you sent her a note... I know you'd do whatever you could... So... that's where we are....

For awhile, our Empress may have to "call it in" ....

She told me what she's done for NOLA so off I go....

But before I do....

Cerise, yes, I can RELATE!! when your bra is so eager to leave you it tries to strangle you so you stop resisting... And why oh why, do I always gain so I am sticking out of just one cup ??? So attractive!!!
So.... now what????
Sometimes we drive off the road.... It doesnt matter how we get the car out of the ditch.... Its just deciding that you want out of the ditch....
So, just use this as a reminder of why you wanted to lose in the first place... It is a shame we don't feel the clothes tightening around us as the food is still in our mouths but .......

Come on.... it could be worse... you could be glum and the site still be down...

I have a cup here for you... its your favorite... now lets figure out this bra thing and we'll make a fortune... We'll call then Sexy Cerise's.....


And Seattlejo.... I've a cup for you too.... I'd take you to the mall but I really dislike them.... isn't there a neat flea market around we could check out .....

off to NOLA

wsw, glad to hear you are feeling a little better. How exciting, this new condo of yours! What a great idea to have someone tape the inspection so you can view it later...will certainly help you plan your decorating, etc.

Cerise, luv, I went through the very same feelings just a week ago. They are important feelings, so don't try to ignore them. They are your first steps in getting on the wagon! I'll tell you, just one week really OP has made a huge difference in how I feel, physically, mentally, and emotionally. And you know something? I don't care if the scale doesn't show a great loss. I know I've made changes and they will result in a loss over time. So one meal, one day, one choice at a time, darling! You're going to do this, and we're going to help you!

Amarantha, I hope you can get this all sorted out. We need our Empress!

Seattlejo, hope your evening is pleasant after your tough day.

Kaylets, if THAT is not a NSV, I don't know what is!!! Flattening tummy and no pantyhose roll! WHOO HOOO!

Punkin, hope the house problems are finally sorted and no more show up! We take our heat and water for granted, don't we?

Ceara, just what are you up to, missy???

Didn't get to a WW meeting tonight. The only one they have on Thursdays is at 5:30pm, which is too early for me. Guess I'll be there on Saturday with the screaming children.

Hello all!!!

I expect the Empress will stop by as soon as she can ... She sent me this :

"If you'd just post a howdy to the queens on
the regular thread as well ... I had a brutal meeting
and am braindead or I'd write something to post ...
yes, I think the email exchange by pm is a good thing
... wouldn't want to lose touch with you guys
permanently!"

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So, I see the quick reply is back...lets hope that means the Empress will be too!

Here's a lttle something I enjoyed, wanted to share:
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Things To Do This Year

Smile more!

Pray more and worry less!

Listen more intently.

Be quick to forgive others and learn to forgive yourself.

Watch a child discover something new.

Whatever you do, give it your best shot!

Do something totally silly once in a while!

Don't gossip.

Take responsibility for all your actions.

Accept help when it's offered.

Make room for new friends.

Bury your prejudices.

Be free with compliments.

Accept yourself for who you are.

Encourage someone every day.

Treat yourself to something expensive or fattening occasionally!

Tell people you love that you love them.

Be generous not only with money but with time.

Call old friends and catch up on their lives.

Challenge your body and your brain.

Have a cookout in the middle of winter.

Look at the big picture and don't sweat the small stuff!

Be less critical of yourself and of others.

Volunteer for a good cause.

Don't look for someone else to blame when you are unhappy.

Remember that problems are just opportunities

In work clothes!

Watch the sunset and realize,

That just as no two sunsets are alike,

So are you a unique and beautiful creation!



Live your life this year in a way you can look back on fondly without too many regrets

And make this the

BEST BLESSED YEAR EVER!

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Hello all!!

Hi WSW!! Feel better !! Keep smiling! Soon you'll be in a new place and you'll be a condo owner!!

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Today's thought is:

"Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful"
---Annette Funicello

Question of the day :

"Do you have any plans for the weekend?"

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Till later all!

Kettle is on!

Back in business! Was anyone else unable to access the site all day yesterday? Doesn't appear so, from all the posts! Four days down. In the ongoing interests of full disclosure, I must admit to succumbing to a piece of mince pie with ice cream the other day when I walked out to my mom's. I was feeling wobbly -- don't know if it's an afternoon blood sugar thing, or what -- and a little sugar (possibly not as much as I had? ) seems to make me feel magically better. However, one suspects a glass of fruit juice or a half a banana would likely be a better choice. Oh, well. Onward! Just can't make digressions like that often, or this will not work. I've done perfectly otherwise. I do find that eating all those veggies and fruits makes a huge difference in how I feel. And I've gotten in the two sessions of exercise every day. One day it was just 2 20 min walks, but a couple of days have been a 15 min walk to the gym, 20 mins circuit training, walk back again and then an hour+ of tai chi. Today I'm going to do yoga (around 40 mins) as soon as I sign off here and then go for a walk later. I must sign up for the walk to NOLA.

Punkin o' Friday -- Happy Day! Anything special planned?

Cerise, my love, how I know that crossing the line thing! Never mind, we'll soon be crossing back in the other direction.

Anagram, how is Florida? How shocking that the site was down so soon after your arrival there! I love that we can all be in touch from wherever though. Seems like magic!

Kaylets, tucking in a shirt is one future thrill on my list! Congrats on feeling your flatter tummy whilst so doing! Loved the list!

Ceara, loved the visual of the heathens! I want some!

wsw, I'm enjoying your exciting move to the condo vicariously! How fun to have a new home! Is it far from where you live now?

Wildfire, thanks for the wise words about that doldrummy state that we go through between Off and On-plan. I guess it's something to make us feel uncomfortable enough to motivate us to change... Feels like inertia, sometimes but I think there's stuff going on below ground...

Seattlejo, I'm going to sign up for the NOLA challenge later today. Can't have all these multiple 10 mins going unaccounted for!

Empress Amarantha, we miss you!

Well, my dovies, I must get to that yoga! Love to all, mentioned or unmentioned -- let's make this a wonderful day!

Kaylets, that dinner thing would've had me seething for days! One of those 'live and learn' things, I guess. Regarding the question of the day: I love today's weather forecast! A nice gentle snow, pretty and serene---and I'm blissfully trapped here with my sweetheart. Ahhh...

And Ceara, you'll agree with me here---another great thing about these days is when everything's frozen, the dog's feet are easier to clean when they come inside. I admit it, we meet them at the door to clean their feet. If loving them is wrong.....etc.!

Arabella, congrats on your collection of perfect days. Reminds me of the old 21- day challenges--remember?

wsw, a new condo!!! I knew you were up to something! How exciting---details please.

Cerise, I still have those 'fat' days. Yesterday was our LOTR day---it's a committment for us to go see a movie, since it's an hour's drive to the nearest theatre--so we were gone all day. We went out for Thai food before going home and I had a nice veg-tofu curry with lots of coconut milk. I shudder to think of the fat grams, and then had a cookie as big as my head. I get home and I say to Garry "I'm fat". And he says "Wrong, you're just full". It may not sound like much, but it was really profound for me. He's so right---but it's so hard for me to let go of my 'fat head'.
Cerise, You're not doing anything wrong. I'm telling you, losing weight is a many-tentacled beast. You've got the body-image thing, the emotional thing, and the food pushers, the food cravings, social eating. As soon as you think you've got one aspect of it under control, something else rises up. Anyone who tells you this is easy is lying!!! It's so worth it to stick with it though. For me, it was 4 steps forward, 3 steps back--the whole way! I've said it before and I still feel rather sheepish about it, but I think it's important to say---It took me almost six years before I reached my goal weight. I wish I could've been one of those 6 month miracle stories, but there you go! You can do this, I know it I know it. And dig this, for all my good habits, today I want to be a slug because I didn't work out yesterday and I ate too much. It's a trick my brain plays on me--God knows why---but I'll haul my old carcass onto the treadmill, and I'll twist myself around doing yoga, and I won't want to at first but then I'll catch the joy of it again. Trust me.
Oh, and I want to throw in my idea for your line of bras to be called "Cerise's Peaches"!

Cerise , I know exactly where you are coming from. I felt that I was setting myself up for failure by waiting till 1/1 and making a drastic change instead of gradually. However I've come to believe that as long as you dont accept all or nothing as a mesure for success you'll be fine.

WSW, congrats on the condo again! Hopefully it will go smoothly through the inspection.

Kaylets, Thank you for sharing the list of things to do this year. I think I may print those and tape them on the wall next to my desk. :-) and congrats on the awesome NSV!

Eydie, you've got some great insight into fatbrain. Thank you forsharing.

Arabella, everyone is allowed abit of mince pie now and again. It seems that you are sticking to your program fairly well, so a little indulgence wont hurt. Keeping mindful of what a better choice is for next time is a good thing too.

Wildfire, good luck at the meeting tomorrow, its not always dealing with other peoples kids, especially when the meeting is to focus on you all and the changes you are making. Children can be a bit of a distraction.

Amarantha darling, hope to see you soon! We need our gracious leader!

Ok work calls, I'll check in later here and at Nola later.