Thanks, Kaylets! Isn't it amazing how you can feel those virtual hugs and kisses. right through all this distance and technology!

Monday!
 

Oh Arabella...am keeping you and your family in my thoughts....especially DS :grouphug:
And Congrats on the :dance::dance::dance::dance: gone to the land of excess baggage! :encore:

:queen: K...I think I NEED an Awakening! Enjoyed that...thanx.

:queen: Eydie...I am OK....I took another hit on Saturday morning...my dear friend whose husband has multiple cancers was told by the chemo doctor that he has 3 months (the wife was told not the patient...I don't know if he knows yet)...which is likely optimistic...however I'm still workin' on a miracle for her. Unfortunately the news came early in the morning...7:30...when I was getting ready to leave for the show...I made it to the site and in the building 20 minutes before ring time with a lot of help from my friends....with dogs that had been combed and groomed the night before. Ah well the breed is supposed to be unkempt. The good news is that the 17 month old won the points....she did it for her Mom...'cause that's who died the day before. Odd how things go, isn't it?

But I'm back on track now...got a seatie belt here :queen: Wildfire...grab on I'll fasten it around both of us!!!! It has an unfastenable catch...just let's get it done up and we'll be stuck!!!!

:wave: to all the :queen: lie court....gotta go and take down the Christmas tree....although I could just leave it up for next year :s:...NOT!

Ceara

Howdy everyone,

Rain, blessed warm (well, 40 is warm 'round here) rain is falling... :cb:

Down a bit more than 5 pounds since last Monday - the first week back on the wagon is normally a goodie. Still, almost 14 pounds from where I was at my lowest :rolleyes:. I know, quit complaining, I could've waited until I was 54 pounds from my lowest to do something.... I'm learning.

Arabella, please feel a virtual hug from me too. I'm both sorry and thankful for the turn of events for your son. Of course we'd wish for nothing to have happened at all, but since it did, I'm SO thankful that his cousins had the presence of mind to take him to the hospital. Please keep us updated and take extra good care of yourself - I can't imagine how stressful this must be for you. :grouphug:

Kaylets, isn't "warm" a funny term? Most people think warm is in the 80's but around here after a week in the low teens, mid-30's is tropical! :cool: Bundle up out there!

Amarantha, :bravo: on the loss!! I think you'd be a great massage therapist solely on how I feel about your people skills. It's 50% touch (which is mostly learned, but also a little intuition) and 50% non-touch. How you talk, relate, listen, etc. to the client is almost more important. I met a lot of people who couldn't care less about the massage, they wanted to be face down, feel annonymous and talk about stuff I shouldn't really know - almost like it was their therapy. It was probably the best job I've ever had, getting to work in the Napa Valley, meeting people from all over the world, hearing their stories, etc. I wish you tons of luck - and wish I was closer to reap the benefits of those mandatory practice hours you'll have to do!!!! :D
(oh, and *I* killed the clowns! Eviiiiiilllll clowns! :devil: )

Wildfire, love the new avatar! :chin: makes me wanna change mine now....

Ceara, I got goosebumps when I read your post about the pup who's mom you just lost got the points! Yes, things do work in odd ways. But if we believe our loved ones who've passed help us, is it too far a stretch to think it could work the same in the dog world? :shrug:

:wave: WSW, Eydie and Anagram! AND EVERYONE!!!!!

Well, must end this now, the wrist only cooperates with typing for so long before it starts screamin'... :dz:

Terri

I have discovered a new munchie snack that may have been around for some time, but we just found it...Cheerios Honey Nut Crunch mix. According to the package, 1/3 cup is only 1 point. IMO, 1/3 cup is NOT enough, but 2/3 cup for only 2 points is great!

ceara, thanks for buckling me in! So far, so good today! So sorry to hear about your friend's DH. How heartbreaking. Congrats on the doggie win.

Arabella, congrats on the loss! I hope DS was in good spirits today when you visited.

Punkin, congrats on your loss too!

Cheers, Kaylets!

Now where is Cerise? Cerise get your hiney in here and post! What's going on, luv?

Frogger, how is our mommy-to-be?

wsw, how are things with you?

Hello to everyone! :wave: Monday's down...just three more to go until Friday!

hi all

arabella-sorry this is such a rough time for your ds and you and family. i too am sending you a virtual hug and lots of good thoughts your way. congrats on the 4 lbs. down!

ceara-sorry about the news regarding your friend's husband. that is so sad. congrats on the win for your dog!

hi punkin, amarantha- congrats on the weight loss!!

hi eydie! kaylets-hope your speech is coming along well.

hi wildfire! love your new avatar!

i just wanted to check in and say hello to all. cold is definitely relative, but to me, it is verrry cold here. it is supposed to stay pretty chilly for the rest of the week, so i remain bundled up. i had my 2nd physical therapy appt. today, which went well. i'm op and glad it has been going well. my hands aren't working so great right now, so i need to sign off, but know that i'm thinking of you all and will finish catching up on the posts. take good care.

wsw

Ok! I swear I am still here. Lunch with Cerise on Friday was wonderful! Cant wait to do that again darling! I've been busy all weekend with assorted things but did manage to get in 2 gym workouts, and an extra 30 minute walk so I'm doing a-ok.

Wishing you all well, I promise to catch up tomorrow!

Tempting Tuesday!
 

Hello all!!

Appetite roaring last night-- finally ran to bed w/ rosehip tea just to put a stop to it... extra grapes, apples, yogurt, lt ww toast.... hmmm... do you think maybe my lunch was too skimpy ???

Live and learn.

*****
Today's thought of the day:

"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside awakens."
--Carl Jung

Today's question of the day:

"Do think Pro Games ( football, baseball, etc) are sometimes fixed?"

******

Time is out... take care all!
KETTLE IS ON!

Tuesday Grin
 

Brother John

Brother John entered the 'Monastery of Silence' and the chief monk said, "Brother, this is a silent monastery, you are welcome here as long as you like, but you may not speak until I direct you to do so."

Brother John lived in the monastery for 5 years before the chief monk said to him: "Brother John, you have been here 5 years now, you may speak two words."

Brother John said, "Hard Bed."

"I'm sorry to hear that" the chief monk said. "We will get you a better bed."

After another 5 years, Brother John was called by the chief monk.

"You may say another two words Brother John."

"Cold Food," said Brother John, and the chief monk assured him that the food would be better in the future.

On his 15th anniversary at the monastery, the chief monk again called Brother John into his office.

"What are your two words you want to say today."

"I Quit." said Brother John.

"I'm not surprised," said the chief monk. "You've done nothing but whine and complain since you got here."


:dizzy: :o ;)

Hi all!!

Well, the mommy to be is sick as a dog. I can't figure out if it's the baby or if I'm finally catching the super flu that's going around. I'm just SO TIRED and very cold. All I did yesterday was sleep. Not stomach sick though. And I'm eating like a :ink:
I'm up a pound. I miss my loss reports :(

Still undecided about what to do with this job. DH was wondering if maybe we should switch rolls for a while. I've been working the fulltime job (plus this new part time) and he's been only working a partime job. He's wondering maybe if he went back to electrical work full time, and I could just work my partime job (thus getting rid of the stress from the one I LOATH). Just wondering if that would work and if I would be covered medically and all. That's a big concern for me at this point. I really want to get rid of this job, but now I'm afraid that I won't be covered anywhere else. :(

Yo!
 

Quicky postie, must away to the pile o' billing to be done!

I've been TOLD to start taking some Fridays off, to use up my 2003 vacation time I still have left (over a week). So, I shall occasionally be :queen: Friday, in absentia, Dutchess of Vacation.

SeattleJo, I'm so jealous you got to lunch with our Cerise! Next year when I'm up your way we'll all 3 have to get together! Cerise and I killed a couple hours on the phone, we're definately birds of a feather!

Frogger, wow... it could be either hun. I used to have a 2 hour commute to work in a vanpool and I sat next to a woman who became pregnant - she did nothing but sleep the entire trip in to work during her 1st and 3rd trimester (the 2nd she was buzzing all over the place, completely hyper and chatty). I think DH's idea is a good one too as long as you're covered insurance-wise.

Kaylets, I'm convinced that the colder it is, the more your body says "feed me!!!!". Hey, we feed our outside animals more when it's cold to help keep them warm - it's probably some instinct from the caveman days that when it gets cold some obscure gene kicks in and says "eat or we'll die!". Evolution, it's a crazy thing! :rolleyes:

Amarantha, yuppers, Napa Valley girl here. Even used to have hot air balloons land in my high school's football field in the morning. Totally didn't appreciate the beauty of the place until I was much, much older though. Still kinda miss it, but not the crowds, or expense of living there.
I'm sorry, I killed your clowns for 3 reasons - Poltergeist, It & John Wayne Gaisey (sp?). Clowns are CREEPY!

Aaack, gotta run, may be back later!

Terri

Where are you at Punkin? You all are welome to join us anytime. I promise I am not trying to monopolize the Cerise. (That said, she is as awesome as she appears to be.)

Frogger, I think working part time might be a good idea. At least hubby is working part time When I first got married Rob lost his job and I had to cover for us for a good year or so. But really with a tadpole coming, you'll have other things to do with your time other then working two jobs and stressing yourself out.

WSW, I'm sending warmth your way! Good for you to remain OP! It's really hard when its freezy outside and you start thinking of comfort foods.

Wildfire, Love the new Icon! The honey nut crunch stuff sounds good too. I made the mistake of getting trail mix. 4 pts per 1/4 c. And i have it at my desk at work, so it makes it hard not to munch on. Is the crunch stuff cereal? or?

Kaylets i love the story, thanks for sharing! What is WW toast?

Ok ladies, I really must do some work today huh? Cerise darling, please come post, i dont want people to think I'm a Pervy Axe Murdered. A Pervy Elf Fancier is quite enough.

Yo SeattleJo,

I'm in central Oregon, between Madras and Redmond. Portland is over them thar mountains and about a 3 hour drive northwest, just to give you an idea of my distance from you guys.
One of my best friends is moving to White Salmon later this year, so I figure eventually I'll be able to take a bit of a vacation (dare I say that word??) and head over to Seattle. I haven't been there since I was 13 (uh gee, uh um, like 10 years ago??? ok, fine, more like 20 years ago... :dz: ) I'm long past due fer some fish tossin'.

Terri :wave:

Sorry, didn't even finish the scanning and my time is up. So I must be off with just a "Hi, all" and spec. thoughts to Wood nymph. (Couldn't find the pm either - me?, library computer? who knows).

Yay Anagram its great to see you pop in!

Punkin, I didnt realize you were so close, I'm sure at some point I'll finally make my way down south. We've not been South of the Washington Border since our move from Arizona.

Hi Ceara! So sorry to hear the news about your friend's husband. That's so hard, so I hope you had some joy at your pup's winning. Pictures?

Hi Anagram--I'm so flattered that you drop in to say hi! :)

Seattlejo-- cool that you and Cerise had lunch together. Details!!! Was it your first meeting?

Frogger, take care of yourself, girlie!

Kaylets, loved the bro. John story--a classic! And I adored 'the awakening'---wish I'd written it. It was perfect and just what I needed to hear at the time.

wsw, hope you're staying cozy. It's mighty cold here too!

Amarantha, I'm enjoying the no-candy challenge. Do chocolate-covered strawberries count as candy. I'm going to make an executive decision and say no they do not! :D

Wildfire, I heartily approve of the new avatar too!

Yikes! I pulled something in my back today while doing yoga. I think I bent just a bit too far back! Nothing that a soak in a hot tub won't cure, I hope!

hi anagram! good to hear from you.

frogger-sorry you are feeling crummy! hope you're feeling better a.s.a.p. it would be great if your dh's insurance would cover you so you could go to part-time. in any case, take good care of yourself.

hello eydie. hope a soak in the tub did the trick for your back. ouch! take it easy.

hi seattlejo-would love some of that warmth from your neck of the woods. it must have been nice to get together with cerise. i like seattle. haven't been there in years (since i moved away from ca ong ago), but used to enjoy getting up there.

amarantha-actually, i am sitting here with a throw around me as i write. i kind of look like whistler's mother right now, but whatever works!

hi to everyone in the royal court! i still haven't lost any weight in this past week. i can revert to that magical thinking that because i am doing the right things, the scale should reflect it. back to reality--. i am continuing to hang in there and will not use an uncooperative scale as an excuse to eat more. i ate dinner, stayed op and exercised today, and that's how it's going to stay for the rest of the evening! i am closing on the condo. on mon.-less than one week now! i think i'm finally more excited about all this than nervous---well, at least right at this moment, anyhow. tomorrow, a friend is taking me to home depot to start looking at some paint colors, which sounds kind of fun. i am really doing this! i am glad i will be able to take my time to get it fixed up before i move in or i would be even more nervous about everything (if that were possible!) well, i am going to make some hot tea and snuggle in for the evening. hope your evenings are pleasant. take care, all.

Darlings, I'm sorry I haven't checked in sooner, but I had a 3-day weekend with houseguests, so I didn't check the computer once. I also went straight off program for Friday - Monday. Wish I'd warned you that I'd be AWOL. Wish I'd also declared that I'd go off prog. for the long weekend. Lo siento, senoras.

I had a l-o-o-o-vely time lunching with Seattlejo, though our time was too short. She is as engaging and witty as she sounds, ladies. And cool.

I'm up 1.5 pounds at my second WW weigh-in, not a surprise when you consider that the weekend visit of our friends turned into a delightful food tour of Seattle. No regrets.

I'm sorry not to respond with one of my accustomed novels, but I have a tremenjous amount of work on my plate right now and have to actually do it, but I read and adored you through all of the posts, and will talk more tonight.

Arabella, thinking of you especially today. And you, Ceara.

Just a quick update: I had a talk with the psychiatrist today, who says that there's no need to stick a label on Matthew at this point, maybe if he had several episodes, but since this was the first and possibly only one, that's how we'll look at it. He's on an anti-psychotic for a bit. He was allowed out on a pass this afternoon, and will be again tomorrow and will likely be released on Thursday.

My husband says he's quite willing to spend a male-bonding (at last!) time with Matt while I'm away (I'm off to Boston again on Sat, returning Weds.). I feel excited to leave now, happy and confident that everything will be okay while I'm gone. Meanwhile I will get a break from the whole thing, plus a break from housework, cooking, laundry, etc. Things are definitely looking up!

Love to all!

Arabella, glad to hear the outlook is improving with DS. You must be very relieved, and I'm sure the guys' weekend will be a good thing for both of them.

Cerise, no apology needed! I was afraid you were having trouble with the WW program and didn't want to post about it. Glad that isn't the case, and I bet you'll see a loss this week as all that restaurant food is usually high in sodium, making you retain water. At least it sounds good, right? :yes: Drink LOTS of water to counteract it.

I'm SO jealous that Cerise and Seattlejo had lunch together! I would so like to meet all of you, and I still think we should plan a get-together somewhere central. Just think of the fun we could all have together!

Seattlejo, oooh...trail mix...:T LOVE the stuff, unfortunately (as you discovered) it's high in points. :( Details on the crunch mix for you and Amarantha:

It's Cheerios brand, sold in a resealable 200g foil bag, and contains honey nut cheerios, corn chex, wheat chex, honey nut clusters, round pretzels, and square pretzels. 57 calories in 1/3 cup, 1g protein, 1.6g fat, 10g carbs, 125mg sodium, 25mg potassium. I bagged it in 2/3 cup portions for easy snacking. DH brought it home for me, isn't he a doll?

Eydie, chocolate-covered strawberries do not count as candy! The fruit cancels out the chocolate! Take care of that back! Into a hot tub with epsom salts! :drill:

Punkin, how's the arm?

wsw, wow, you close on Monday? I'd be absolutely LEAPING about with joy! I'm so happy for you! :dance:

Frogger, I hope if it's some bug you caught that you'll be over soon. No fun! Time to make some calls and find out the ins and outs of your insurance coverage. It would be best if you could work part-time during your pregnancy, of course.

Kaylets, great joke! How about some tea?

:wave:

Hi anagram! :wave:

Hello all!!

Sure could use a snow day or holiday or.... no??

Alright then, we won't have this Wednesday back again so.....

Here we go Wednesday, Here we go!!

(with enthusiasm !)

Here we go Wednesday, Here we go!


****

Arabella-- Glad the news re DS is more optimistic. Especially since you have your business trip.... Try and remember all your nutrients .... We want you strong.

Everyone else... sorry, I'm late again... I am sending you all good energy!!


******
*****

Thought of the day :

"We are the choices we make."
-- Meryl Streep


Question of the day :

"How many tattoos do you have?"

*********


KETTLE IS ON!

Did I ever tell you that you're my favorite???

Wednesday Message
 

****
Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living.

When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away.

But, I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself.

So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice.

I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.


She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness.

"It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated".

"Oh, you're such a good boy", she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"

"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.

"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice".

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening.

"I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long."

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."

We drove in silence to the address she had given me.

It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up.

They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door.

The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.

"Nothing," I said.

"You have to make a living," she answered.

There are other passengers," I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

"You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said.

"Thank you."

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light.

Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.

What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?

What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware -- beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, ~BUT ~ THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

You won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send it to ten people. But, you might help make the world a little kinder and more compassionate by sending it on.

Thank you, my friend. . . .


*****

Arabella, I'm happy things are looking up for you and DS, good that it was atended to so quickly. Have a good trip! What fun things are you going to do there?

Wildfire, the mix sounds really good! I'll have to look for it.

Kaylets, no tattoos-----yet! I must admit I've toyed with the idea. Something small though--no scorpions curled around my boobs or anything. Wow, there's an image, huh? :lol: [No offense to anyone with boob-scorpions, of course!]

Yo!
 

Ok Kaylets darling you have me crying at my desk with that. What a beautiful story, hearwrenching and true.

I've got a quote of the day for you guys this morning
" Always look ahead, there are no regrets in that direction. " From the Proverbial Cat Calendar.
I think this is true about most anything, but also fits into our dieting. Don't obsess over the mistakes you have made, don't angst over that bowl of ice cream, instead plan on how you are going to do it differently next time. Think about your triggers and how to avoid them.

Mind you, I think that obsessing over cooking/food is part of my problem. So how to obsess about not obsessing?
Ok. going to go dry my eyes and get back to work. *hugs* and energy to all you lovely ladies

Mornin' all,

Wrist is doing much better this morning. I think part of the problem was trying to work with the brace on - my fingers were starting to go numb! It puts a lot of pressure on my wrist and I don't need any help with carpal tunnel thankyouverymuch, I have enough issues with that without the brace creating more! So, I'm only wearing it when there's a chance I could over use it, or hurt it again (driving, walking outside, lifting, etc.). I'm going to look for one of those ACE bandage type braces this weekend. I will survive!!!!!! :cb:

Oh, and down 2 more pounds, but Monday's still my official day! :dance: :dance:

SeattleJo, I'm the same way. I moved from CA and haven't been anywhere except back to CA since. No trips to the beach, or Portland, or any sightseeing... That's why I'm kinda' excited about my friend's move - somewhere new to go!

Eydie, yes, chocolate strawberries are considered a FRUIT! They're SO healthy they cancel out the chocolate. 'Least that's what I believe... :shrug:
Hope the soak helped your back - doing better?

WSW, oooooh paint shopping! Fun!!!!!! I'm doing that this weekend too - looking for a nice fleshy/warm peach for my guest bathroom! I looooove having all those little painted pieces of paper stuck on the walls! Enjoy!

Cerise, thank you for checking in! Not that we thought SeattleJo was an axe murderer or anything.... :fr: I'm glad you enjoyed your company!

Arabella, I'm SO happy things are looking up! Enjoy your trip!

Kaylets, ya made me cry. Your Wednesday Message was SO sweet and really made me think. It's true, people will remember how you made them feel more often than what you said. Something to chew on today...

Q o' the day ~
I used to have 2 tattoos. Had them both removed because of a stupid man (aka the ex husband). Both were on my ankles - outside of the left, inside of the right. One I'm glad is gone (heart with wings, picked off of flash on the board - yaaaawn) and the other I wish I still had because it was a reminder of the best times in my youth - a little music note that I got at Sunset Strip Tattoo in Hollywood, CA in '89. In the late 80's I did a lot (a LOT) of hair-band following and that tattoo was my "proof" of my times in Hollywood. I do have plans to get another one someday. It will be very well thought out though - because now I know removing tattoos is far more painful than getting them!

Well, must away to do something that will pay the bills! :wave:

Terri

Kaylets, I made my lowfat herb biscuits with half whole wheat flour and they're great ... thanks for inspiring me! Can whole wheat brownies be far behind? :chin:

:nono:

Amarantha, I've seen recipes for whole wheat brownies. No clue what they'd be like, but it sounds interesting. Of course you could just leave the flour out... (Flourless chocolate cake mmmmm) but then thats not healthy

arabella-glad to hear things are looking up for you and ds!

wildfire-thanks for your enthusiasm regarding my-almost condo. today, my friend took me to look at some paint colors and it was fun! i really am starting to get a feel for what color scheme i want and could picture "my stuff" in there.

amarantha-i agree with you that magic really is all around us. i was reminded of that today, when i had a lovely lunch and paint perusing morning with my friend, who is my best friend's girlfriend. she was telling me how her friends, some people i've never even met, told her they also want to help with fixing up, painting my place. i have so much to be grateful for and so many good friends. there is indeed a lot of magic in my life.

kaylets-loved the story.

seattlejo-really like the quote. i know how important it is for me to do this, though not always as successful in this area as i would like. i'm a work in progress.

hi ceara!

hi punkin-glad to hear your wrist is doing much better today. congrats on being down 2 more pounds!

eydie-how's the back feeling today?

hi cerise! glad to hear you had enjoyed your 3 day wekend with houseguests!

so far, so good with being op today and did o.k. out for lunch too, which is sometimes more challenging for me. thinking of you all, my friends, mentioned or unmentioned. take good care of yourselves.

wsw

Kaylets, I didn't get to read your story till this afternoon. How lovely! I so appreciate this "service". It's a loving act from you to us!

Ceara, thinking of you, and your friends. Be strong.

wsw, thanks for the remider that magick is all around!

Seattlejo, I'm a big-time food-freak. I'm always food-obsessed. The trick for me was becoming obsessed with healthy food, seeking it out at restaurants and cooking it, etc. Hey, it's even what I do at my job. How ironic is that?

Congrats on being down 2 more pounds, Punkin!

Think healthy, svelte thoughts, everybody!

Darlings, I wish I could talk to you more, but reading your posts has taken all my free time from work, which isn't much. I'm going nuts this week...

I'm thankful that I have a little time to read your posts, because (as the rest of you have no doubt found on weeks like this) they sustain me and give me a feeling of normalcy, goodness and peace. Even the sad ones. Thank you for being here for me and for each other.

I'm staying OP for now and am grateful for the 1.5 pound wake-up-call. Unfortunately the weekend hit our wallets even more sorely than my weight. Never mind. Come Friday this will all be over.

Much, much love,

Happy Hump Day! Two more sleeps 'till Friday!

Weighed in tonight, down 1 lb. Looks like I'm going to have work for every ounce! Oh well, I am NOT giving up. :nono:

QOD: I have one, a jade green tribal dragon in the middle of my back. I'm thinking I'll get my Campbell tattoo when I reach goal.

Just a fly-by posting, just got in and I'm starving! :hun:

hello all!

Server went down for about 45 minutes this am so here I am here...

******
Thought of the day :

WORRYING
does not empty
TOMORROW OF ITS
TROUBLES

*************

IT EMPTIES
TODAY OF ITS
STRENGTH



Question of the day :

"Are they rubber bands or elastic bands?"

******


Deep Thoughts (Part 11)
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk I have a work station.....
Do Lipton employees take coffee breaks?
What hair colour do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men?
Why do banks charge you an "insufficient funds fee" on money they already know you don't have?
Why is it, when a door is open it's ajar, but when a jar is open, it's not adoor?
Tell a man that there are 400 billion stars and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint and he has to touch it.
Why is lemon juice mostly artificial ingredients but dishwashing liquid contains real lemons?
Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?". She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do "practice?"
Where do forest rangers go to "get away from it all?"
Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machines?
How do blind people know when they are done "wiping?"


:^: :^: :^:

Wasn't on yesterday because I spent my day waiting on a tow truck. I now no longer have a car (at least for a couple of weeks). My transmission needs to be rebuilt. This car is only 2 years old bought brand new. I can't believe my freakin luck lately!!!! It's going to cost $1200 of money that I don't have. And I'm not sure how I'm going to get to and fro to both jobs. No one lives near me so I can't bum a ride to the office. Boss is extremely upset ("how come there's always a problem") It's not my fault. I just want to cry!!! :cry:

Morning Ladies!
It's Thursday and I have a weekend packed with social goodness, lets just hope I can stay OP! I didnt weigh in end of last week and am a little annoyed by that. I'll have to get out to the mall and weigh in on Saturday morning. (Yeah we still dont have scale if you can believe it. I was set to get one this week , but hubby said I could by the software I've been wanting, so i got that instead.

*hugs to all* ok working now.

Kaylets, thank you so much for sharing the deep thoughts, they'll have me giggling all morning.

hi all!

kaylets-that quote really spoke to me today. good reminder for me. wildfire-congrats on the 1 lb. down! woo-hoo!

a quick hello to the royal ones! have to get ready to go to my doc appt. (just one of the regular check-in ones.) some months they all seem to schedule in the same month, so this is my 2nd to last one for jan. and then i should get a reprieve for another few months, or so i am hoping. my insurance card sees more action than most credit cards, i think. oh well! take care, and those of you in the deep freeze zones, stay warm.

Hello, dearests.

Frogger - I'm so sorry that you got such a horrible response from your boss. I honestly don't know what you could possibly say to such a terrible person that wouldn't put you in even worse standing with her. I, of course, would be tempted to use profanity. Remember your rights, love.

Still going nutters at work, dears, but am still happy to see you every day. Still OP - I'm a bit scared of weekends, though, to tell the truth. That's when (a.) I'm at home lurking around and drawn to the fridge, and (b.) Ramon and I get our urges to eat out.

Love to you all,

Yo!
 

Frogger, awww man! Hugs to you, my friend.

Cerise, courage, girl! Is there an end in sight?

Kaylets, thanks for your deep thoughts! Hmmmm....[that's me thinking! :lol: ]

Seattlejo, I too am being the social butterfly, and it's all about food, baby! Today we had all 3 meals out, and 2 out tomorrow. Hope to hunker in on Saturday and Sunday!

Amarantha, Yes indeed! We've all come so far--we must never forget it!

wsw, Ceara, Wildfire, Arabella, and all other royal personages, greetings! :)

Frogger.... I am so sorry you're transmission died... Oh man! I hope by time you read this post, you've figured something out.....Here's a big
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))))))))
with a kiss on the forehead for you.


****
Yes, Empress, you're right!! ITS TRUE!! See how crafty and cunning these candy folks are....FLOURLESS BROWNIES... sounds lo carb doesnt it???
YIKES!! WARNING! WARNING! WILL ROBINSON!!
Don't forget what happened to me last December! I couldnt get off the sugar roller coaster until nearly St Patrick's !

It's just like that man in Illinois who was relabeling donuts as WW lo fat....
which they were NOT!!!

In fact, thank you very much my friends, I think I have hit on my topic finally...
after a couple drafts... I am going to speak on Marketing ....especially... the "healthy, lo carb, lo fat, new, improved, our menu will fit your diet plan, here's a coupon too, JUST GET IN HERE, GIVE US YOUR CASH and hurry up and EAT IT FOR GOODNESS SAKES, so, you'll hurry back now!"

In fact, perhaps I'll start it something like this:

"This must be the best time to be alive. We are the happy recipients of medical, mechanical and intellectual discoveries. More of us are more educated than at any time in recorded history.
........

Have to keep working on that one.....



Yikes, look at the time.....

speaking of marketing.... anyone look at the nutritional values for the new Snicker "Energy Bar" .. Think its called the Marathon.....

Glad so many of you enjoyed Deep Thoughts...

Think I know where some more are.

okay, you guys are the best! I was a little unerved after yesterday's Toastmaster meeting as I found out another competitor has stepped forward... and she is outstanding... very good.. in fact, won for our club and two levels higher for the humor contest. I heard her speak all 3 contests and she is good.
But..... you have given me motivation and inspiration....

I will presevere....


WSW-- did you tell us the paint colors??

Punkin-- are you sure you didnt break anything in your wrist? That sounds bad!

Cerise-- Keep your chin up! Here's a nice cup of tea...

Eydie- I asked on the thread for your brand of ff creamcheese... never tasted a ff that didnt taste like paste...

Wildfire-- What's new?

Ceara- Sending you love and a big hug.

Arabella- Wonder if you find Boston tropical compared to PEI....
and here's good thoughts re your DS....

Ok all!

Is ER a rerun tonight?